What does ICD-10 code P22 mean?

ICD-10 code P22 is the standardized code used for respiratory distress of newborn in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code P22 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code P22 when recording respiratory distress of newborn in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code P22 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code P22: Respiratory distress of newborn

Name: ICD-10 Code P22: Respiratory distress of newborn
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:29:03.645Z

P22 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Respiratory distress of newborn. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents respiratory distress of newborn in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

16Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96)

block

P19-P29Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders specific to the perinatal period

currentP19-P29

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

PediatricianNeonatologistPulmonologist

Sibling codes

P19Metabolic acidemia in newborn P23Congenital pneumonia P24Neonatal aspiration P25Interstitial emphysema and related conditions originating in the perinatal period P26Pulmonary hemorrhage originating in the perinatal period P27Chronic respiratory disease originating in the perinatal period P28Other respiratory conditions originating in the perinatal period P29Cardiovascular disorders originating in the perinatal period

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

P22

Replacement codes

P22.0 — Respiratory distress syndrome of newbornP22.1 — Transient tachypnea of newbornP22.8 — Other respiratory distress of newbornP22.9 — Respiratory distress of newborn, unspecified

Common synonyms

Respiratory distress of newborn

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.