Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without diagnosis
ICD-10 Codes (79)
R91
R91.1
R91.8
R92
R92.0
R92.1
R92.2
R92.3
R92.30
R92.31
R92.311
R92.312
R92.313
R92.32
R92.321
R92.322
R92.323
R92.33
R92.331
R92.332
R92.333
R92.34
R92.341
R92.342
R92.343
R92.8
R93
R93.0
R93.1
R93.2
R93.3
R93.4
R93.41
R93.42
R93.421
R93.422
R93.429
R93.49
R93.5
R93.6
R93.7
R93.8
R93.81
R93.811
R93.812
R93.813
R93.819
R93.89
R93.9
R94
R94.0
R94.01
R94.02
R94.09
R94.1
R94.11
R94.110
R94.111
R94.112
R94.113
R94.118
R94.12
R94.120
R94.121
R94.128
R94.13
R94.130
R94.131
R94.138
R94.2
R94.3
R94.30
R94.31
R94.39
R94.4
R94.5
R94.6
R94.7
R94.8
Updates & 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 R90-R94 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 R90-R94 category in the ICD-10 encompasses codes for abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without a confirmed diagnosis. These codes are used when there are abnormal findings on diagnostic tests, but no definitive diagnosis has been made. They cover a wide range of imaging and functional studies, including radiological, ultrasound, cardiovascular, and neurological findings.
Key Usage Points:
- •Use these codes when an abnormal finding has been identified, but no diagnosis has been confirmed.
- •The codes are specific to the type of diagnostic test and the body system involved.
- •They are not used for normal findings or when a diagnosis has been confirmed.
- •The codes can be used in any healthcare setting where diagnostic imaging or function studies are performed.
- •These codes are typically used as secondary codes, following a code for the reason for the test.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When an abnormal finding is identified on a radiological test, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- ✓When an abnormal finding is identified on a cardiovascular function test, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- ✓When an abnormal finding is identified on a neurological function test, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- ✓When an abnormal finding is identified on an ultrasound, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a diagnosis has been confirmed based on the abnormal finding.
- ✗When the finding on the diagnostic test is normal.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is not related to the reason for the test.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is expected due to a known condition.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10 manual, as they may change with updates to the coding system.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for these codes should clearly describe the abnormal finding, the type of diagnostic test, and the reason for the test. The documentation should also indicate that no diagnosis has been confirmed based on the finding.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of diagnostic test
- •Description of abnormal finding
- •Reason for the test
- •Statement that no diagnosis has been confirmed
Supporting Evidence:
- •Diagnostic test report
- •Clinical notes from the provider
- •Referral for the diagnostic test
Good Documentation Example:
Patient underwent MRI of the brain due to persistent headaches. MRI showed an abnormal finding of a small lesion in the right frontal lobe. No diagnosis has been confirmed at this time.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient had an MRI. Abnormal finding.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of diagnostic test
- âš Not describing the abnormal finding
- âš Not stating that no diagnosis has been confirmed
- âš Using the code for a confirmed diagnosis
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
These codes are of medium complexity because they require a clear understanding of the diagnostic test and the findings. They also require the coder to determine whether a diagnosis has been confirmed, which can be challenging in some cases.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining whether the finding is abnormal
- â–¸Identifying the type of diagnostic test
- â–¸Determining whether a diagnosis has been confirmed
- â–¸Understanding the reason for the test
Specialty Focus
These codes are used across many specialties, including radiology, cardiology, neurology, and obstetrics. They are particularly common in specialties that rely heavily on diagnostic imaging and function studies.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient has an abnormal finding on a chest x-ray, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- • A patient has an abnormal finding on an EKG, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- • A patient has an abnormal finding on an EEG, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
- • A pregnant patient has an abnormal finding on an ultrasound, but no diagnosis is confirmed.
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coding the R90-R94 category, including the ICD-10 manual, coding training materials, and online coding resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10 manual
- ICD-10 training materials
- Official ICD-10 website
- Online coding resources
Clinical References:
- Diagnostic test reports
- Clinical notes from the provider
- Referral for the diagnostic test
Educational Materials:
- Coding training materials
- Online coding courses
- Coding webinars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an R90-R94 code for a confirmed diagnosis?
No, these codes are only used when an abnormal finding has been identified on a diagnostic test, but no diagnosis has been confirmed.