ICD-10 Code for syncope

The ICD-10-CM code for syncope is R55 when documented without further specification. Syncope and collapse (fainting) code to R55 — a single billable symptom code covering vasovagal attack, near-syncope, and blackout when no more specific cause is documented.

Which Code Should You Use?

What to Document

• Whether a specific mechanism is documented (orthostatic, cardiac, carotid sinus, heat, psychogenic).
• Associated findings that point to an excluded, more-specific code.
• Any established underlying cardiac or neurologic diagnosis.

Common Documentation Pitfalls

• Excludes1 blocks R55 for orthostatic hypotension (I95.1), carotid sinus syncope (G90.01), heat syncope (T67.1), and psychogenic syncope (F48.8).
• R55 has no subdivisions — near-syncope and vasovagal attack both map here; don't seek a more specific R55 subcode.

Instructional Notes for R55

Also Known As

Official ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index terms that point to R55:

• Blackout
• Pre-syncope
• Collapse
• Vasovagal attack (paroxysmal)
• Fainting (fit)
• Syncope (near) (pre-)
• Near-syncope
• Attack, attacks › vasovagal (paroxysmal) (idiopathic)

References

• CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Code Set and Guidelines, FY2026
• R55 full code details