Dizziness ICD-10 Code: R42

Last updated: August 28, 2026

Quick Answer

The ICD-10 code for dizziness is R42 (Dizziness and giddiness). It covers lightheadedness and nonspecific dizziness. If a specific vertiginous syndrome is diagnosed - like BPPV or vestibular neuronitis - code the specific H81 code instead; R42 has an Excludes1 for vertiginous syndromes.

Primary Code Details

Code	Description	Billable
R42	Dizziness and giddiness	Yes

Related Codes

Code	Description	Billable
H81.10	Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear	Yes
H81.4	Vertigo of central origin	Yes
R55	Syncope and collapse	Yes
R26.81	Unsteadiness on feet	Yes
I95.1	Orthostatic hypotension	Yes

Documentation Requirements

Characterize the symptom: lightheadedness, spinning (vertigo), presyncope, or imbalance
Document triggers (positional change, standing) and duration
If vertigo is diagnosed, specify peripheral vs central and the ear involved
Document orthostatic vital signs when presyncope is suspected

Common Coding Scenarios

Nonspecific Dizziness

Documentation:

"Patient reports intermittent dizziness for two weeks. Neuro exam normal, no true vertigo elicited."

Code:

R42 - Dizziness and giddiness

Rationale:

Without a more specific diagnosis, the symptom code R42 is appropriate for the workup encounter.

Positional Vertigo Diagnosed

Documentation:

"Dix-Hallpike positive on the left; diagnosed as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo."

Code:

H81.12 - Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left ear

Rationale:

A specific vertiginous syndrome replaces R42 - they are mutually exclusive under the Excludes1 note. Code the ear when documented.

Dizziness on Standing

Documentation:

"Lightheadedness on standing; orthostatic vitals show 25 mmHg systolic drop."

Code:

I95.1 - Orthostatic hypotension

Rationale:

The documented cause (orthostatic hypotension) is coded rather than the symptom. R42 would only be used if no cause were established.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for dizziness?

R42 (Dizziness and giddiness). It is billable and covers nonspecific dizziness, lightheadedness, and giddiness when no more specific diagnosis is documented.

Can I code R42 and vertigo together?

No. R42 carries an Excludes1 note for vertiginous syndromes (H81.-). If BPPV, vestibular neuronitis, or another specific vertigo diagnosis is made, code it instead of R42.

What code do I use for dizziness with falls?

Code R42 for the dizziness plus additional codes for the consequences and context - for example R29.6 (repeated falls) or the specific injury codes, depending on documentation.

Related Resources

Last updated: August 2026. Code data reflects ICD-10-CM 2026 version. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always verify codes against current official guidelines.