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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR79.9

R79.9

Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R79.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R79.9 is used to classify abnormal findings in blood chemistry that are not specified elsewhere in the ICD-10 coding system. This code encompasses a wide range of potential abnormalities that may arise from various laboratory tests assessing components such as electrolytes, enzymes, proteins, and metabolites. Commonly, these findings may indicate underlying conditions such as metabolic disorders, liver dysfunction, renal impairment, or endocrine abnormalities. The unspecified nature of this code means that while the laboratory results indicate an abnormality, the specific cause or condition is not clearly defined at the time of coding. Clinicians may order further diagnostic tests to elucidate the underlying issue, and the abnormal findings may be transient or indicative of a chronic condition. Accurate documentation of the clinical context, including symptoms and any relevant patient history, is crucial for proper coding and subsequent treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the code can lead to ambiguity in documentation.
  • Requires correlation with clinical findings to ensure appropriate use.
  • Potential for overlap with other codes related to specific abnormalities.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation supporting the abnormal finding.
  • Failure to specify the clinical context or symptoms associated with the finding.
  • Use of R79.9 when a more specific code is available.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation indicating further diagnostic workup.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and rationale for ordering blood tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, weight loss, or other nonspecific symptoms prompting blood chemistry tests.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant clinical information is documented to support the use of R79.9.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the reason for testing and any immediate clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute symptoms such as chest pain or altered mental status requiring rapid assessment.

Billing Considerations

Document any immediate interventions or follow-up tests ordered based on abnormal findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R79.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is supported by clinical documentation and that the abnormal finding is not better classified under a more specific code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R79.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80050CPT Code

General health panel

Clinical Scenario

Used for routine health assessments that may reveal abnormal findings.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the panel and any abnormal results.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and family practice often utilize this panel.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding options, but R79.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified abnormalities, which can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding options, but R79.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified abnormalities, which can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding options, but R79.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified abnormalities, which can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

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 R79.9 be used?

R79.9 should be used when there is an abnormal finding in blood chemistry that is not specified elsewhere, and further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause.