ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code P22.9: Respiratory distress of newborn, unspecified

P22.9 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Respiratory distress of newborn, unspecified in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. 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, unspecified in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

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.

Code hierarchy

chapter
16Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96)
block
P19-P29Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders specific to the perinatal period
category
P22Respiratory distress of newborn
currentP22

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • respiratory arrest of newborn (P28.81)
  • respiratory failure of newborn NOS (P28.5)

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

PediatricianNeonatologistPulmonologist

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
P22.9

Common synonyms

Respiratory distress of newborn, unspecifiedRespiratory distress of newborn

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeP22.9
SystemICD10
Display nameRespiratory distress of newborn, unspecified
ChapterCertain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P00-P96)
BlockRespiratory and cardiovascular disorders specific to the perinatal period

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Distress

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.

ICD-10 Code P22.9 for Respiratory distress of newborn, unspecified | HealthAssure