ICD-10 Code for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The ICD-10 code for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is G47.33.
Primary Diagnostic Code
- G47.33 is the specific ICD-10-CM code for obstructive sleep apnea in adults 1
Related ICD-10 Codes for Sleep Apnea
- G47.30: Sleep apnea, unspecified (use when the type of sleep apnea has not been determined) 2
- G47.31: Primary central sleep apnea (for central sleep apnea without other causes) 3
- G47.37: Central sleep apnea in conditions classified elsewhere (for CSA secondary to heart failure, stroke, or other medical conditions) 3
Diagnostic Confirmation Requirements
Before assigning the G47.33 code, OSA must be confirmed by objective testing 4:
- Polysomnography (PSG) showing ≥5 predominantly obstructive respiratory events per hour with symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, fatigue, insomnia, gasping/choking at night, witnessed apneas, or loud snoring) 1
- OR ≥15 predominantly obstructive respiratory events per hour even without symptoms 1
- Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) may be used as an alternative in patients with high pretest probability of moderate to severe OSA without significant comorbidities 4
Severity Modifiers
While the primary code G47.33 covers all OSA, document severity separately based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) or respiratory disturbance index (RDI) 4:
- Mild OSA: AHI/RDI ≥5 and <15 events/hour 4
- Moderate OSA: AHI/RDI ≥15 and ≤30 events/hour 4
- Severe OSA: AHI/RDI >30 events/hour 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not use G47.30 (unspecified sleep apnea) if polysomnography or home sleep testing has confirmed the obstructive nature of the apnea—always use the specific G47.33 code 2
- Do not confuse with central sleep apnea codes (G47.31 or G47.37)—these require documentation of central apneas without respiratory effort on polysomnography 3
- Ensure objective testing is documented before coding, as clinical suspicion alone (snoring, witnessed apneas, daytime sleepiness) is insufficient for definitive diagnosis 4, 2
- When REM sleep behavior disorder mimics OSA, polysomnography is mandatory to distinguish between conditions, as treatment and coding differ significantly 5