R09.3 Abnormal sputum

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026.

Applicable to

• Abnormal amount of sputum
• Abnormal color of sputum
• Abnormal odor of sputum
• Excessive sputum

Excludes1 (never code together)

• blood-stained sputum (R04.2)

Applies from R09 Other symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory system

Excludes1 (never code together)

• acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)
• respiratory arrest of newborn (P28.81)
• respiratory distress syndrome of newborn (P22.0)
• respiratory failure (J96.-)
• respiratory failure of newborn (P28.5)

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 204 in MDC 04.

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• 786.4 Abnormal sputum

Diagnosis Index entries for R09.3

• Abnormal, abnormality, abnormalities › sputum (amount) (color) (odor)
• Excess, excessive, excessively › secretion › sputum
• Excess, excessive, excessively › sputum
• Sputum › abnormal (amount) (color) (odor) (purulent)
• Sputum › excessive (cause unknown)

Nearby codes

• R09.0 Asphyxia and hypoxemia
• R09.01 Asphyxia
• R09.02 Hypoxemia
• R09.1 Pleurisy
• R09.2 Respiratory arrest
• R09.3 Abnormal sputum (this code)
• R09.8 Other specified symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
• R09.81 Nasal congestion
• R09.82 Postnasal drip
• R09.89 Other specified symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
• R09.A Foreign body sensation of the circulatory and respiratory system