Primary central sleep apnea

This code signifies a form of sleep apnea characterized by recurrent episodes of cessation of breathing during sleep due to a primary failure of the brain to send signals to the muscles of respiration. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, there is no physical blockage of the airway. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes of central sleep apnea have been ruled out.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of central sleep apnea that is not attributed to a medical condition, drug use, or high-altitude periodic breathing. This diagnosis is typically established after polysomnography (sleep study) demonstrates central apneas and hypopneas without evidence of upper airway obstruction, and secondary causes have been investigated and excluded.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "primary" or "idiopathic" central sleep apnea to support this specific code.
• Differentiate carefully from other central sleep apnea types (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes, high-altitude, drug-induced) which have distinct codes.
• Avoid using this code if the central sleep apnea is secondary to another medical condition; instead, code the underlying condition first, followed by the appropriate secondary central sleep apnea code.