ICD-10 Guide

R84.7

Abnormal histological findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R84.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal histological findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R84.7 is used to classify abnormal histological findings in specimens obtained from the respiratory organs and thorax, which may include lung tissue, pleura, and mediastinal structures. These findings can arise from various conditions, including infections, neoplasms, inflammatory diseases, and environmental exposures. Histological examination may reveal atypical cells, inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis, or necrosis, which necessitate further clinical correlation and investigation. The abnormal findings may not be specific to a single diagnosis and often require additional diagnostic imaging or laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause. Clinicians must consider the patient's clinical history, presenting symptoms, and any relevant risk factors when interpreting these findings. Accurate coding of R84.7 is essential for proper documentation and reimbursement, as it reflects the complexity of the patient's condition and the need for further diagnostic evaluation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Variability in histological findings requiring clinical correlation
Need for comprehensive patient history and symptom documentation
Potential overlap with other respiratory conditions
Interpretation of findings may vary among pathologists

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of clinical findings leading to misinterpretation
Failure to link abnormal findings to specific symptoms or diagnoses
Overuse of the code without sufficient clinical evidence
Inconsistent coding practices among different specialties

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including smoking status, occupational exposures, and respiratory symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic cough, hemoptysis, or unexplained respiratory symptoms requiring biopsy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the histological findings are clearly linked to the patient's clinical presentation and any additional diagnostic tests performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include immediate symptoms, vital signs, and any imaging or lab results obtained.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute respiratory distress or suspected pulmonary embolism requiring rapid evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any urgent interventions and the rationale for obtaining histological specimens in emergency settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R84.7 When

Follow the official ICD
CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is clear documentation of abnormal histological findings from respiratory specimens
The findings must be linked to the patient's clinical presentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R84.7 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88305CPT Code

Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination

Clinical Scenario

Used when a biopsy is performed and histological analysis is required.

Documentation Requirements

Pathology report must be included, detailing the findings and any relevant clinical history.

Specialty Considerations

Pathologists must ensure that the report is comprehensive and correlates with the clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal histological findings, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. R84.7 provides a clear classification for abnormal findings that may require further investigation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. R84.7 provides a clear classification for abnormal findings that may require further investigation.

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 R84.7 be used?

R84.7 should be used when there are abnormal histological findings in respiratory specimens that do not fit into more specific diagnostic categories.

ICD-10 R84.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal histological findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax.