Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
ICD-10 Codes (54)
R71R71.0R71.8R73R73.0R73.01R73.02R73.03R73.09R73.9R74R74.0R74.01R74.02R74.8R74.9R75R76R76.0R76.1R76.11R76.12R76.8R76.9R77R77.0R77.1R77.2R77.8R77.9R78R78.0R78.1R78.2R78.3R78.4R78.5R78.6R78.7R78.71R78.79R78.8R78.81R78.89R78.9R79R79.0R79.1R79.8R79.81R79.82R79.83R79.89R79.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for R70-R79 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The R70-R79 range in the ICD-10 code set is designated for abnormal findings on examination of blood, without a confirmed diagnosis. These codes are used when laboratory results indicate abnormal blood findings, but further investigation is needed to determine a definitive diagnosis. The range includes codes for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, abnormal levels of blood substances, and other nonspecific findings on examination of blood.
Key Usage Points:
- •Use these codes when lab results indicate abnormal blood findings, but a diagnosis is not yet confirmed.
- •This range includes codes for abnormal levels of blood substances and other nonspecific findings.
- •These codes are typically used in conjunction with other codes to provide a complete clinical picture.
- •Always code the confirmed diagnosis when known, rather than the abnormal finding.
- •Remember to follow up on these codes once a diagnosis is confirmed.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When laboratory results indicate abnormal blood findings, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms that suggest a blood disorder, but lab results are inconclusive.
- ✓When documenting a patient's medical history that includes unresolved abnormal blood findings.
- ✓When a patient is undergoing further testing or referral for abnormal blood findings.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a definitive diagnosis has been made.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is normal for the patient due to a chronic condition.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is expected due to medication or treatment.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is not relevant to the patient's current or future health status.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10 guidelines and the patient's medical record.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for the R70-R79 range should include the specific abnormal finding, the relevant lab results, the patient's symptoms, and any known medical history. It should also note any further testing or referrals planned.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific abnormal finding
- •Relevant lab results
- •Patient's symptoms
- •Known medical history
- •Planned further testing or referrals
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports
- •Physician's notes
- •Referral letters
- •Follow-up visit notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presented with fatigue and shortness of breath. CBC shows elevated white blood cell count. Further testing planned to rule out leukemia.
Poor Documentation Example:
Abnormal blood test.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the abnormal finding
- âš Not including relevant lab results
- âš Not documenting the patient's symptoms
- âš Not noting planned further testing or referrals
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding within the R70-R79 range can be moderately complex due to the need to understand the clinical significance of different abnormal blood findings, and to make judgement calls about their relevance to the patient's health status. Coders also need to stay current with changes to the ICD-10 guidelines for this range.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining whether the abnormal finding is relevant to the patient's health status
- â–¸Deciding whether to code the abnormal finding or a confirmed diagnosis
- â–¸Understanding the clinical significance of different abnormal blood findings
- â–¸Keeping up-to-date with changes to the ICD-10 guidelines for this range
Specialty Focus
The R70-R79 range is particularly relevant to specialties that frequently deal with blood disorders, such as Hematology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with a family history of leukemia presents with fatigue and shortness of breath. CBC shows elevated white blood cell count.
- • A patient on chemotherapy for breast cancer has a blood test showing low red blood cell count.
- • During a routine check-up, a patient's blood test shows high cholesterol levels.
- • A patient with a history of anemia has a blood test showing low iron levels.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding within the R70-R79 range, including the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference books, and online educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines
Clinical References:
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
Educational Materials:
- AAPC's ICD-10 training course
- AHIMA's online coding resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the R70-R79 range if a diagnosis is known?
No, once a diagnosis is confirmed, the specific ICD-10 code for that diagnosis should be used instead of the abnormal finding code.