Finding of abnormal level of heavy metals in blood
ICD-10 R78.79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of finding of abnormal level of heavy metals in blood.
The ICD-10 code R78.79 is used to classify findings of abnormal levels of heavy metals in the blood that are not specified elsewhere. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, can accumulate in the body and lead to various health issues. Symptoms may include neurological deficits, gastrointestinal disturbances, and renal impairment, depending on the specific metal and level of exposure. Laboratory findings typically involve blood tests that measure the concentration of these metals, often revealing elevated levels that necessitate further investigation. The clinical context for this code includes occupational exposure, environmental contamination, or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Accurate documentation of the patient's exposure history, symptoms, and laboratory results is essential for proper coding and management of the condition.
Comprehensive patient history, including occupational and environmental exposure, and detailed lab results.
Patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or gastrointestinal issues, prompting testing for heavy metals.
Consideration of comorbid conditions that may affect the interpretation of lab results.
Acute care documentation including immediate lab results and any interventions performed.
Acute presentations of heavy metal poisoning, such as lead or mercury toxicity, requiring rapid assessment and treatment.
Timeliness of documentation is critical in emergency settings to ensure proper coding and billing.
Used when testing for lead levels in patients suspected of lead exposure.
Document the reason for testing and any relevant exposure history.
Internal medicine and pediatrics often order this test.
Used when testing for mercury levels in patients with potential mercury exposure.
Document symptoms and exposure history to justify testing.
Common in toxicology and emergency medicine.
Documentation should include the patient's exposure history, symptoms, and specific laboratory results indicating abnormal levels of heavy metals.
Yes, R78.79 is a general code for abnormal levels of heavy metals not classified elsewhere, but specific codes should be used when the type of metal is known.
