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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR83.8

R83.8

Other abnormal findings in cerebrospinal fluid

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R83.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormal findings in cerebrospinal fluid.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R83.8 is used to classify other abnormal findings in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that do not fall under more specific categories. Abnormal findings in CSF can include a variety of symptoms and signs such as elevated protein levels, abnormal cell counts, presence of bacteria or viruses, and unusual biochemical markers. These findings can indicate a range of conditions, including infections (like meningitis), inflammatory diseases (such as multiple sclerosis), or malignancies. The clinical context is crucial, as the interpretation of these findings often requires correlation with patient symptoms, history, and additional diagnostic tests. For instance, elevated white blood cell counts may suggest infection or inflammation, while the presence of malignant cells could indicate a neoplastic process. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the clinical implications of these findings and their relevance to the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying conditions
  • Need for correlation with clinical symptoms
  • Differentiation from more specific codes
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to link abnormal findings to specific symptoms
  • Misinterpretation of lab results
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes explaining the rationale for CSF analysis, including patient history and presenting symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms such as headache, fever, or altered mental status requiring CSF analysis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all abnormal findings are clearly documented and linked to the patient's clinical picture.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include immediate clinical findings, lab results, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of meningitis or encephalitis where CSF analysis is critical for diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Rapid documentation is essential; ensure that abnormal findings are promptly recorded and communicated.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R83.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the abnormal findings are not classified elsewhere
  • Document the clinical significance of the findings and any related symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R83.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain CSF for analysis in patients with suspected neurological conditions.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, patient consent, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

In neurology, ensure that the rationale for lumbar puncture is clearly linked to the diagnosis.

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, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and analyze neurological conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and analyze neurological conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and analyze neurological conditions.

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 R83.8?

Use R83.8 when documenting abnormal findings in cerebrospinal fluid that do not fit into more specific categories. Ensure that the findings are well-documented and linked to the patient's clinical presentation.