Is ICD-10-CM code R44 billable?

No, R44 (Other symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions) 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 R44 belong to?

R44 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R44Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions

In Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior (R40-R46), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

6 billable codes under R44: 3 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

alcoholic hallucinations (F10.151, F10.251, F10.951)
hallucinations in drug psychosis (F11-F19 with fifth to sixth characters 51)
hallucinations in mood disorders with psychotic symptoms (F30.2, F31.5, F32.3, F33.3)
hallucinations in schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (F20-F29)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

disturbances of skin sensation (R20.-)

Also applies, from Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior (R40-R46)

These notes sit on R40-R46 and apply to every code under it, including R44.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

symptoms and signs constituting part of a pattern of mental disorder (F01-F99)

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 R44

R44 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R44 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under R44 group to MS-DRG 880, 951, 124, or 125 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 880 Acute Adjustment Reaction and Psychosocial Dysfunction (3 of 6 codes)
DRG 951 Other Factors Influencing Health Status (2 of 6 codes)
DRG 124 Other Disorders of the Eye with MCC or Thrombolytic Agent (1 of 6 codes)
DRG 125 Other Disorders of the Eye without MCC (1 of 6 codes)

About the condition

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

Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. People with psychoses lose touch with reality. Two of the main symptoms are delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are false beliefs, such as thinking that someone is plotting against you or that the TV is sending you secret messages. Hallucinations are false perceptions, such as hearing, seeing, or feeling something that is not there.

Code history

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