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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR73.0

R73.0

Abnormal glucose

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R73.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal glucose.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Abnormal glucose levels refer to deviations from the normal range of glucose in the blood, which can indicate various metabolic disorders. This code encompasses both hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) that are not classified elsewhere. Common symptoms associated with abnormal glucose levels include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and in severe cases, confusion or loss of consciousness. Laboratory findings typically include fasting blood glucose levels, random blood glucose tests, and HbA1c levels. The clinical context for this code often involves patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or endocrine disorders. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the abnormal glucose levels, which may include insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, or medication effects. Accurate diagnosis and management are essential to prevent complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic episodes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in glucose testing methods and interpretation
  • Differentiation between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to identify causes
  • Potential overlap with other diabetes-related codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of glucose testing results
  • Failure to specify whether the abnormality is hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
  • Lack of clinical correlation with symptoms
  • Misuse of R73.0 when a more specific diagnosis is available

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including symptoms, medication use, and family history of diabetes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening for diabetes, management of known diabetes, and evaluation of unexplained symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab results are documented and correlate with clinical findings.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment of glucose levels, symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of diabetic emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic shock.

Billing Considerations

Rapid documentation of interventions and patient response is critical for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R73.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the abnormal glucose level is not classified elsewhere
  • Document the clinical context and any relevant lab findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R73.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

82947CPT Code

Glucose; quantitative, blood (e.g., glucose tolerance test)

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for abnormal glucose levels.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the testing aligns with the clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal glucose levels, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal glucose levels, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal glucose levels, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R73.0?

Use R73.0 when a patient presents with abnormal glucose levels that are not classified under a specific diabetes diagnosis. Ensure that lab results and clinical symptoms are documented.