Cough

This code represents the symptom of a cough, characterized by a sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs. It is a non-specific symptom that can be associated with a wide range of underlying respiratory or systemic conditions.

Use this code when the documentation clearly indicates a cough as a presenting symptom, and a more specific diagnosis for the underlying cause is not yet established or is not the primary focus of the encounter. It is appropriate for initial evaluations of cough or when the cough is treated symptomatically without a definitive etiology.

• Always strive for a more specific diagnosis if available; cough is a symptom, not a disease.
• Do not code this if the underlying cause of the cough (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma) is known and documented.
• Consider sequencing this code as a secondary diagnosis if it is a significant symptom but not the primary reason for the encounter.