Hiccough

This code represents the involuntary, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the glottis, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. It is a symptom rather than a disease itself, often transient and benign.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states "hiccups" or "hiccough" as a presenting symptom or a transient condition. It is typically used for acute, self-limiting episodes, or when the underlying cause is unknown or not yet diagnosed.

• This code should generally be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis unless it is the sole reason for the encounter and no underlying cause is identified.
• Always search for and code any underlying conditions causing the hiccoughs (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease, central nervous system disorders).
• Avoid using this code for chronic or intractable hiccoughs if a more specific ICD-9-CM code for persistent hiccoughs (e.g., 306.8 for psychogenic hiccoughs) is more appropriate.