Is ICD-10-CM code R20 billable?

No, R20 (Disturbances of skin sensation) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code R20 belong to?

R20 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R20Not billable, use a more specific code below

Disturbances of skin sensation

In Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue (R20-R23), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

6 billable codes under R20: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

dissociative anesthesia and sensory loss (F44.6)
psychogenic disturbances (F45.8)

Also applies, from Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue (R20-R23)

These notes sit on R20-R23 and apply to every code under it, including R20.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

symptoms relating to breast (N64.4-N64.5)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers when to report symptom, sign, and abnormal finding codes (R00-R99), plus specific rules for falls, coma scales, non-infectious SIRS, death NOS, and NIHSS scores.

Use of symptom codes (page 75)
Use of a symptom code with a definitive diagnosis code (page 75)
Combination codes that include symptoms (page 75)
Repeated falls (page 76)
Coma (page 76)
Functional quadriplegia (page 76)
SIRS due to Non-Infectious Process (page 77)
Death NOS (page 77)

Read Section I.C.18 (page 75), 1 more topics

All codes under R20

R20 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R20 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 6 billable codes under R20 group to MS-DRG 091, 092, or 093 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to R20

Notes on these codes point to R20.

R44 Excludes2: disturbances of skin sensation (R20.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Nerves are like wires that carry messages back and forth between your brain and your body. Your peripheral nerves branch off from your brain and spinal cord and connect to all parts of your body, including your muscles and organs. Peripheral nerves carry messages from your brain that control your movement, breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and more. They also carry messages from your body to your brain, so you can feel things, such as pain, heat, and cold.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.