ICD-10 Code G47.31 – Primary central sleep apnea (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G47.31 – Primary central sleep apnea
What it is
Primary central sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts because the brain does not send stable signals to breathe. It is not caused by airway blockage.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include recurrent central apneas during sleep, fragmented sleep, and symptoms such as daytime sleepiness or witnessed pauses in breathing.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents primary central sleep apnea or central sleep apnea without an identified underlying cause. Apply it when the record clearly distinguishes the condition from obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep-disordered breathing.
If the note links the apnea to another disorder, such as a neurologic, cardiac, or medication-related cause, check documentation before coding G47.31. The diagnosis should be supported by the clinician’s assessment or sleep study interpretation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for obstructive sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea, or central sleep apnea clearly attributed to another condition. Check documentation if the cause is secondary or not stated.
Coding tip
Look for the word “primary” or an explicit absence of an underlying cause before assigning G47.31.