R68.13
Billable codeApparent life threatening event in infant (ALTE)
The ICD-10 code for apparent life threatening event in infant (alte) is R68.13.
Clinical notes
Code first
This code represents a manifestation of an underlying disease. Coding convention requires the underlying (etiology) code to be sequenced first, with this code listed second.
- confirmed diagnosis, if known
Also known as
Alternate wording, synonyms, or specific conditions that fall under this code, listed to help confirm you've picked the right one.
- Apparent life threatening event in newborn
- Brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE)
Use additional code
This code represents an underlying condition. When a related manifestation is also present, coding convention calls for an additional code to be listed after this one.
- code(s) for associated signs and symptoms if no confirmed diagnosis established, or if signs and symptoms are not associated routinely with confirmed diagnosis, or provide additional information for cause of ALTE
Documentation support
General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.
- •This code represents a manifestation. Documentation should identify the underlying condition, which must be coded first.
- •If the associated manifestation or related condition noted above is also documented, an additional code should be reported alongside this one.
- •As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.
Related codes in this category
- R68.11Excessive crying of infant (baby)
- R68.12Fussy infant (baby)
- R68.19Other nonspecific symptoms peculiar to infancy
- R68.13Apparent life threatening event in infant (ALTE)
ICD-9-CM equivalent
Informational only — GEM mappings are approximate, not guaranteed one-to-one equivalents. Verify before use in billing.
- 79982
Associated MS-DRGs
R68.13 can serve as the principal diagnosis for these Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups.
Informational only — actual DRG assignment also depends on procedures, complications/comorbidities (CC/MCC), discharge status, and payer-specific rules not reflected here.