What is the ICD-10 code for dizziness?

The ICD-10-CM code for dizziness is R42 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — R42 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for dizziness

The ICD-10-CM code for dizziness is R42 when documented without further specification. Dizziness and giddiness code to R42 — a single billable symptom code that also covers lightheadedness and non-specific "vertigo." Defined vestibular vertigo is excluded to H81.-.

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Symptom code vs. confirmed diagnosis

R42 is a symptom code for dizziness with no established cause. Its Excludes1 note redirects true vertiginous syndromes to H81.- and infrasound vertigo to T75.23 — use R42 only when a specific vestibular or other diagnosis is not documented.

Which Code Should You Use?

R42 ✓ Billable — Dizziness and giddiness

Dizziness, giddiness, or lightheadedness with no established cause.

What to Document

Whether a vestibular/vertiginous syndrome is documented (redirects to H81.-).
Distinguishing lightheadedness from true rotational vertigo.
Associated symptoms pointing to a specific diagnosis.

Common Documentation Pitfalls

Excludes1 — defined vertiginous syndromes are H81.-, and infrasound vertigo T75.23, not R42.
Vertigo documented as a vestibular disorder should not default to R42.

Instructional Notes for R42

Excludes1

Not coded here. These conditions should NOT be coded together with R42.

vertiginous syndromes (H81.-)
vertigo from infrasound (T75.23)

Also Known As

Official ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index terms that point to R42:

Giddiness
Swimming in the head
Vertigo
Dysequilibrium
Dizziness
Syndrome › Mal de Debarquement
Light › headedness
Disturbance (s) › equilibrium

Coding Notes

R42 covers lightheadedness and vague "dizziness," but true vertiginous syndromes are Excludes1 to H81.- (and infrasound vertigo to T75.23). Don't map a documented vestibular vertigo to R42.