Abnormal Lab Results ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Abnormal Lab Results?

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) is an essential tool in healthcare, systematically coding and categorizing diseases, health conditions, and abnormal findings. When it comes to abnormal lab results, specific ICD-10 codes are used depending on the particular outcomes of the lab work. Let's delve into some of the most frequently used codes:

1. R70-R79: This series of codes is applied for abnormal findings on blood examinations when no diagnosis has been made. They cover a broad range of non-specific abnormalities detected in blood tests.

2. R79.9: This code refers to an unspecified abnormal finding of blood chemistry. Listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the category of abnormal findings, it is used when a blood chemistry test reveals aberrations, but the exact nature of the anomaly is not specified.

3. R89.8: This code is designed for abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems, and tissues. It is used when examining a specimen from an organ, system, or tissue other than blood reveals unusual findings.

4. R83.8: This code signifies other abnormal findings in blood examinations. It is applied when a blood test reveals abnormal findings that do not fit into other categories.

5. R73.09: This code is used for other abnormal glucose findings. It is applied when blood tests show abnormal glucose levels that do not fit into other categories.

6. R79.1: This code is designated for other abnormal serum enzyme levels. It is used when a blood test shows abnormal levels of serum enzymes.

7. R79.89: This diagnostic code signifies other specified abnormal findings in blood chemistry that are not classified elsewhere.

These codes are standardized for documenting, reporting, and analyzing diseases and health conditions. They offer a universal language that facilitates clear communication among healthcare professionals globally.

To better understand how these codes are employed in medical billing and coding, consider exploring our comprehensive Abnormal Lab Results ICD Codes and this explainer video below. 

These resources provide an in-depth look at the ICD-10 coding system, offering insights into how these codes document abnormal lab results and their implications for patient care and medical billing.

Which Abnormal Lab Results ICD codes are Billable?

All the above-listed ICD-10 codes for abnormal lab results are billable. Healthcare providers use these codes to bill outpatient and office procedures.

Clinical Information

• Interpreting Results: Abnormal lab results often indicate the presence of a disease or substance and require further evaluation. However, age, sex, diet, and medications can influence test results, so slightly out-of-range results may not always indicate a health problem.

• Common Abnormal Results: Some frequently encountered abnormal lab results include indications of borderline diabetes, high cardiovascular risk, or acute kidney injury warning. These results point to potential health risks that may need further management.

• Inflammatory Markers: A common abnormal finding is marked leukocytosis with neutrophilia and thrombocytosis, anemia, and increased acute-phase reactants, such as ESR. These findings often suggest an ongoing inflammatory response in the body.

• Importance of Follow-Up: It's crucial to recognize abnormal results. Even without noticeable symptoms, abnormal lab results can signal underlying health issues that require attention.

• Communication with Healthcare Providers: Patients should discuss their lab results with their healthcare provider to understand what they mean for their overall health. The provider can explain the results, possible causes for abnormalities, and next steps for further testing or treatment if necessary.

• Not a Definitive Diagnosis: It's important to remember that abnormal lab results are not definitive. They are part of the larger diagnostic process, including medical history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tests.

• Context Matters: Lab results should be interpreted in the context of the individual patient. Depending on genetics, lifestyle, and existing health conditions, what might be considered abnormal for one person might be normal for another.

Synonyms Include:

• Abnormal blood test results
• Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of body structures
• Abnormal clinical findings
• Non-specific abnormal findings in body fluids and substances
• Abnormal findings on antenatal screening