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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR73

R73

Elevated blood glucose level

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R73 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of elevated blood glucose level.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R73 is designated for elevated blood glucose levels, which may indicate a range of conditions including prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, and other metabolic disorders. This category encompasses instances where blood glucose levels are above normal but not necessarily diagnostic of diabetes. Clinically, elevated blood glucose levels can be a critical indicator of insulin resistance and may warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor these levels closely, as they can lead to serious complications if left unaddressed, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

  • In practice, the use of R73 codes is vital for documenting patient conditions that require monitoring and management. This category serves as a flag for healthcare providers to implement lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, or further diagnostic testing. Proper coding with R73 can facilitate appropriate patient care and ensure that patients receive the necessary follow-up and treatment plans to mitigate the risk of developing diabetes or its complications. As such, R73 plays a significant role in preventive health strategies and chronic disease management in clinical settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in glucose testing methods
  • Differentiation between prediabetes and diabetes
  • Need for comprehensive patient history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inconsistent documentation of glucose levels
  • Failure to follow up on elevated readings
  • Misclassification of prediabetes vs. diabetes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related Codes

Child Codes

6 codes
R73.0
Abnormal glucose
R73.01
Impaired fasting glucose
R73.02
Impaired glucose tolerance (oral)
R73.03
Prediabetes
R73.09
Other abnormal glucose
R73.9
Hyperglycemia, unspecified

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical impact of the R73 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of patients at risk for diabetes and associated complications. By accurately coding elevated blood glucose levels, healthcare providers can implement preventive measures that improve patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of diabetes-related morbidity. This proactive approach aligns with broader public health initiatives aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications in the population.
Administratively, the use of R73 codes can influence quality measures and healthcare trends, as they provide data that can be analyzed to assess the effectiveness of screening and intervention strategies. Tracking the prevalence of elevated blood glucose levels can help healthcare organizations identify at-risk populations and allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, as healthcare systems increasingly focus on value-based care, accurate coding of conditions like those represented by R73 will be essential for demonstrating quality of care and improving population health metrics.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical impact of the R73 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of patients at risk for diabetes and associated complications. By accurately coding elevated blood glucose levels, healthcare providers can implement preventive measures that improve patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of diabetes-related morbidity. This proactive approach aligns with broader public health initiatives aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications in the population. Administratively, the use of R73 codes can influence quality measures and healthcare trends, as they provide data that can be analyzed to assess the effectiveness of screening and intervention strategies. Tracking the prevalence of elevated blood glucose levels can help healthcare organizations identify at-risk populations and allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, as healthcare systems increasingly focus on value-based care, accurate coding of conditions like those represented by R73 will be essential for demonstrating quality of care and improving...

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the payer, and it is crucial to verify coverage policies related to diabetes screening and management. Additionally, appropriate modifiers may be necessary to indicate the nature of the visit, whether it is a routine check-up or a follow-up for abnormal results.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for R73

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for R73

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in R73?

R73 includes conditions such as elevated fasting glucose levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and other non-specific hyperglycemia that do not yet meet the criteria for diabetes mellitus.

When should I use R73 codes?

R73 codes should be used when a patient's blood glucose levels are elevated but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. This includes routine screenings and follow-ups for patients at risk.

What documentation is required for R73?

Documentation should include the patient's blood glucose levels, any relevant medical history, and the clinical rationale for further testing or monitoring. It is important to note any lifestyle factors that may contribute to elevated levels.