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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR89.3

R89.3

Abnormal level of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R89.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal level of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R89.3 is used to classify abnormal levels of substances that are primarily nonmedicinal in origin, detected in specimens obtained from various organs, systems, and tissues. This code encompasses a wide range of abnormal laboratory findings that do not fit neatly into other specific categories. Commonly, these findings may include elevated or decreased levels of substances such as hormones, enzymes, or metabolites that are not directly related to a specific disease process but may indicate underlying physiological disturbances. For instance, abnormal levels of electrolytes, proteins, or other biochemical markers can be indicative of metabolic imbalances, organ dysfunction, or systemic conditions. The clinical significance of these findings often requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause, which may involve additional diagnostic testing or clinical correlation with the patient's symptoms and medical history.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes for abnormal findings
  • Need for correlation with clinical symptoms and history
  • Potential overlap with other specific codes
  • Variability in laboratory reference ranges

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation linking abnormal findings to clinical conditions
  • Failure to specify the source of the abnormal substance
  • Misuse of the code for findings that are better classified elsewhere
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for abnormal results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the specific abnormal findings, the context of the patient's clinical presentation, and any follow-up actions taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or metabolic disturbances requiring laboratory evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the abnormal findings are clearly linked to the patient's symptoms and that any relevant tests are documented.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should detail the abnormal findings, immediate clinical implications, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute metabolic derangements, such as hyperkalemia or hyponatremia, presenting with symptoms like arrhythmias or altered mental status.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of abnormal lab results are critical in emergency settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R89.3 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring that the abnormal findings are documented and linked to the patient's clinical scenario
  • Use additional codes as necessary to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R89.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80050CPT Code

General health panel

Clinical Scenario

Used when a comprehensive metabolic panel is ordered to evaluate abnormal findings.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific tests performed and the clinical rationale for ordering them.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the panel is appropriate for the patient's clinical presentation.

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 ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and laboratory results.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and laboratory results.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and laboratory results.

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 R89.3?

Use R89.3 when you encounter abnormal levels of substances in lab results that do not fit into a more specific diagnosis and are not directly related to a known disease process.