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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR79.89

R79.89

Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R79.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R79.89 is used to classify abnormal findings in blood chemistry that do not fall under more specific categories. This code encompasses a variety of laboratory results that may indicate underlying health issues but are not explicitly defined in other ICD-10 codes. Common abnormal findings may include unusual levels of electrolytes, enzymes, or metabolites that could suggest conditions such as renal dysfunction, liver disease, or metabolic disorders. Clinicians often encounter these findings during routine blood tests, prompting further investigation to determine the underlying cause. The interpretation of these results requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests to guide appropriate management and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying conditions
  • Need for comprehensive clinical context
  • Potential overlap with other codes
  • Variability in laboratory reference ranges

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to link abnormal findings to clinical conditions
  • Misinterpretation of laboratory results
  • Use of this code without sufficient clinical context

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, lab results, and clinical correlation must be documented to justify the use of R79.89.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue or malaise, where blood chemistry reveals abnormal results.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the abnormal findings are clearly linked to the patient's clinical picture to avoid coding errors.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the reason for testing and the clinical significance of abnormal findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute symptoms like chest pain or altered mental status, where rapid blood chemistry analysis reveals abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

In emergency settings, timely documentation is crucial to support the use of R79.89 and to ensure appropriate follow-up.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R79.89 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that emphasize the need for specificity and clinical correlation when using R79
  • Ensure that the abnormal findings are documented and linked to the patient's clinical status

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R79.89 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80053CPT Code

Comprehensive metabolic panel

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess overall health and detect a variety of conditions.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and any abnormal findings.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and family practice often utilize this panel for routine health assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, but it also requires coders to have a deeper understanding of clinical contexts to avoid misclassification.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, but it also requires coders to have a deeper understanding of clinical contexts to avoid misclassification.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, but it also requires coders to have a deeper understanding of clinical contexts to avoid misclassification.

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 R79.89?

Use R79.89 when you encounter abnormal blood chemistry findings that do not fit into more specific categories and when there is sufficient clinical documentation to support its use.