The ICD 10 code used for nose bleeds is:
R04.0 Epistaxis
This code represents bleeding from the nose without identifying an underlying disease. It is the most commonly used and widely accepted diagnosis code when a patient presents with a nose bleed.
When to use R04.0
- Acute or recurrent nose bleeds
- Emergency room visits for active nasal bleeding
- Office visits for evaluation or treatment of epistaxis
- No confirmed underlying condition documented
Other Related ICD 10 Codes
In some cases, a nose bleed is linked to a specific cause. When the provider documents a confirmed diagnosis, a more specific ICD 10 code may be required.
| ICD 10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| I10 | Essential hypertension, when nose bleeds are linked to uncontrolled blood pressure |
| J34.89 | Other specified disorders of nose and nasal sinuses |
| S02.2XXA | Fracture of nasal bones, initial encounter |
| D68.9 | Coagulation defect, unspecified |
| Z79.01 | Long term use of anticoagulants |
These codes may be reported alongside R04.0 only when documentation supports their use. If the nose bleed is a symptom of a confirmed condition, the underlying condition may be coded instead of epistaxis.
Services Covered Under ICD 10 Code R04.0
When properly documented, the epistaxis code supports coverage for several medical services.
These services may vary by payer but commonly include:
- Emergency room evaluation and management
- Office visits for nasal examination
- Nasal packing and cauterization
- Laboratory tests when bleeding risk is suspected
- Imaging studies if trauma or structural issues are involved
Medical necessity must be clearly documented, especially for repeat visits or advanced treatments.
Coding History and ICD 10 Transition
Before ICD 10, nose bleeds were coded using ICD 9 code 784.7. With the transition to ICD 10, this was replaced by R04.0, offering better alignment with symptom based coding standards.
The ICD 10 version provides clearer classification under symptoms related to the circulatory and respiratory systems. This change improved data tracking and reduced ambiguity in claim submissions.
Usage Instructions for ICD 10 Nose Bleeds
Proper usage of R04.0 depends on accurate provider documentation. Coders should follow official guidelines and avoid assumptions.
Includes
- Anterior nose bleed
- Posterior nose bleed
- Recurrent epistaxis
- Spontaneous nasal bleeding
Excludes
- Nose bleeds caused by confirmed trauma, which should be coded to the injury
- Bleeding disorders when documented as the primary diagnosis
- Postoperative nasal bleeding when a complication code applies
R04.0 should not be used if the provider has clearly identified and documented a more specific condition responsible for the bleeding.
Final Thoughts
The correct ICD 10 code for nose bleeds is R04.0 epistaxis. It is a straightforward but important code used across emergency, outpatient, and primary care settings. Understanding when to use it, when to add related codes, and when to replace it with a confirmed diagnosis helps maintain compliance and billing accuracy.
