Chronic cough

This code identifies a persistent cough lasting eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks or longer in children. It signifies a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis, often indicating an underlying medical condition. Chronic cough can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "chronic cough" without a more specific underlying etiology identified at the time of coding. It is appropriate for initial encounters where the cause is still under investigation or when the chronic cough is the primary reason for the visit. This code is also used when the chronic cough is a significant co-morbidity.

• Always search for a more specific diagnosis if available (e.g., asthma, GERD, postnasal drip syndrome).
• Do not use this code if the cough duration is acute or subacute; refer to codes for acute cough (R05.1) or subacute cough (R05.2).
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when the underlying cause of the chronic cough is known and coded as the primary diagnosis.