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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR84.3

R84.3

Abnormal level of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R84.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal level of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R84.3 is used to classify abnormal levels of substances that are primarily nonmedicinal in origin found in specimens obtained from the respiratory organs and thorax. This may include abnormal findings in respiratory secretions, pleural fluid, or lung tissue samples. Such abnormalities can indicate various pathological conditions, including infections, environmental exposures, or metabolic disorders. Common substances that may be evaluated include heavy metals, toxins, or other environmental pollutants. The clinical significance of these findings often necessitates further investigation to determine the underlying cause, which may involve additional laboratory tests, imaging studies, or specialist consultations. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the clinical context and the specific substances involved, as well as the patient's history and presenting symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of nonmedicinal substances that can be tested
  • Need for precise documentation of specimen source
  • Potential overlap with other respiratory conditions
  • Variability in laboratory reporting standards

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the source of specimens
  • Failure to specify the substances tested
  • Misinterpretation of lab results leading to incorrect coding
  • Lack of correlation between clinical findings and lab results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, specific lab results, and clinical correlation are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and abnormal lab findings, such as elevated heavy metals in lung tissue.

Billing Considerations

Consider environmental exposure history and comorbid conditions that may affect lab results.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute respiratory distress and abnormal toxicology screens.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical in emergency settings to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R84.3 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that emphasize the importance of specificity in documenting the source of specimens and the substances tested
  • Ensure that the clinical context supports the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R84.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80050CPT Code

General health panel

Clinical Scenario

Used when a comprehensive metabolic panel is performed alongside respiratory testing.

Documentation Requirements

Document all tests performed and their indications.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require additional documentation for chronic conditions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal lab findings, improving the granularity of data collected for public health and research purposes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal lab findings, improving the granularity of data collected for public health and research purposes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal lab findings, improving the granularity of data collected for public health and research purposes.

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

What types of substances are included under R84.3?

R84.3 includes nonmedicinal substances such as heavy metals, environmental toxins, and pollutants found in respiratory specimens.

How do I document for R84.3 accurately?

Documentation should include the specific substances tested, the source of the specimens, and any relevant clinical findings that support the abnormal results.