R90-R99
Medium Complexity
Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis
Primary Specialty: Pathology, Radiology, Internal Medicine
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (87)
84 billable0 category headers
R91R91.1Billable
R91.8Billable
R92Billable
R92.0Billable
R92.1Billable
R92.2Billable
R92.3Billable
R92.30Billable
R92.31Billable
R92.311Billable
R92.312Billable
R92.313Billable
R92.32Billable
R92.321Billable
R92.322Billable
R92.323Billable
R92.33Billable
R92.331Billable
R92.332Billable
R92.333Billable
R92.34Billable
R92.341Billable
R92.342Billable
R92.343Billable
R92.8Billable
R93R93.0Billable
R93.1Billable
R93.2Billable
R93.3Billable
R93.4Billable
R93.41Billable
R93.42Billable
R93.421Billable
R93.422Billable
R93.429Billable
R93.49Billable
R93.5Billable
R93.6Billable
R93.7Billable
R93.8Billable
R93.81Billable
R93.811Billable
R93.812Billable
R93.813Billable
R93.819Billable
R93.89Billable
R93.9Billable
R94R94.0Billable
R94.01Billable
R94.02Billable
R94.09Billable
R94.1Billable
R94.11Billable
R94.110Billable
R94.111Billable
R94.112Billable
R94.113Billable
R94.118Billable
R94.12Billable
R94.120Billable
R94.121Billable
R94.128Billable
R94.13Billable
R94.130Billable
R94.131Billable
R94.138Billable
R94.2Billable
R94.3Billable
R94.30Billable
R94.31Billable
R94.39Billable
R94.4Billable
R94.5Billable
R94.6Billable
R94.7Billable
R94.8Billable
R97Billable
R97.0Billable
R97.1Billable
R97.2Billable
R97.20Billable
R97.21Billable
R97.8Billable
R99Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
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-R99 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
high priority
The ICD-10 category R90-R99 encompasses codes for abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis. These codes are used when abnormal findings are discovered during diagnostic testing, but a definitive diagnosis has not yet been made. They cover a wide range of substances and tissues, including blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and various body tissues.
Key Usage Points:
- •These codes are used when abnormal findings are discovered but a definitive diagnosis is not yet made.
- •They cover a wide range of substances and tissues.
- •The codes can be used in various medical specialties, including pathology, radiology, and internal medicine.
- •They are typically used in the initial stages of diagnostic testing.
- •The codes can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When abnormal findings are discovered during diagnostic testing but a definitive diagnosis is not yet made.
- ✓When further testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms that require diagnostic testing.
- ✓When a patient's condition is being monitored through regular diagnostic testing.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a definitive diagnosis has been made.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is a known symptom of a diagnosed condition.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is expected due to a known condition or treatment.
- ✗When the abnormal finding is not significant to the patient's current condition or treatment plan.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10 guidelines and updates.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for R90-R99 codes should be thorough and specific, detailing the type of test performed, the substance or tissue examined, and the nature of the abnormal finding. The reason for the test and the patient's relevant medical history should also be included.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of test performed
- •Substance or tissue examined
- •Nature of the abnormal finding
- •Reason for the test
- •Patient's relevant medical history
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports
- •Radiology reports
- •Pathology reports
- •Physician's notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient underwent a urine test due to persistent lower abdominal pain. Test revealed abnormal levels of red and white blood cells.
Poor Documentation Example:
Abnormal urine test.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of test performed
- âš Not detailing the nature of the abnormal finding
- âš Not including the reason for the test
- âš Not documenting the patient's relevant medical history
Range Statistics
7
Total Codes
84
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:18
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
The coding complexity for the R90-R99 range is medium due to the wide range of substances and tissues covered and the need for detailed and specific documentation. Additionally, these codes often lead to further testing and diagnosis, requiring coders to stay updated with the latest ICD-10 guidelines and updates.
Key Factors:
- â–¸The wide range of substances and tissues covered
- â–¸The need for detailed and specific documentation
- â–¸The potential for additional testing and diagnosis
- â–¸The need to stay updated with the latest ICD-10 guidelines and updates
Specialty Focus
R90-R99 codes are used across various medical specialties, including pathology, radiology, and internal medicine. They are particularly useful in the initial stages of diagnostic testing, when abnormal findings may be discovered but a definitive diagnosis has not yet been made.
Primary Specialties:
Pathology
30%
Radiology
30%
Internal Medicine
40%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with persistent lower abdominal pain and undergoes a urine test, which reveals abnormal levels of red and white blood cells.
- • A patient with a history of smoking undergoes a chest X-ray, which reveals an abnormal shadow on the lung.
- • A patient with a family history of colon cancer undergoes a colonoscopy, which reveals abnormal tissue in the colon.
- • A patient with persistent headaches undergoes a lumbar puncture, which reveals abnormal levels of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Resources & References
There are various resources available for coding with the R90-R99 range, including the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines
Clinical References:
- UpToDate
- Medscape
- PubMed
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10 training materials
- CMS ICD-10 training materials
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 training materials
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a code from the R90-R99 range?
You should use a code from the R90-R99 range when abnormal findings are discovered during diagnostic testing but a definitive diagnosis has not yet been made.