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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR94.02

R94.02

Abnormal brain scan

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R94.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal brain scan.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R94.02 is used to classify findings from brain scans that are abnormal but do not fall into more specific diagnostic categories. An abnormal brain scan may indicate a variety of conditions, including structural abnormalities, lesions, tumors, or signs of neurological disorders. Symptoms associated with abnormal brain scans can vary widely, including headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, or focal neurological deficits. Common imaging modalities include MRI and CT scans, which may reveal findings such as edema, hemorrhage, or mass effect. The clinical context is crucial, as the interpretation of these findings often depends on the patient's history, presenting symptoms, and other diagnostic tests. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the clinical rationale for the scan, the specific findings, and any subsequent management plans to ensure accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other neurological conditions
  • Interpretation of imaging findings can be subjective

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to correlate imaging results with clinical symptoms
  • Inconsistent use of the code across different providers
  • Lack of follow-up documentation or treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the reason for the brain scan, specific findings, and any relevant patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained neurological symptoms, such as persistent headaches or cognitive decline.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the clinical context is clearly documented to support the use of R94.02.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the patient's presenting symptoms, the urgency of the scan, and immediate findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute neurological deficits, altered mental status, or trauma requiring rapid assessment.

Billing Considerations

Document the time-sensitive nature of the scan and any immediate interventions based on findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R94.02 When
  • Follow 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

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R94.02 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

70551CPT Code

MRI brain, without contrast

Clinical Scenario

Used when a brain scan is performed due to abnormal neurological findings.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the MRI and any relevant clinical history.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the MRI findings are clearly linked to the clinical symptoms for accurate coding.

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 reimbursement processes.

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 reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 should be documented to support the use of R94.02?

Documentation should include the clinical indication for the brain scan, specific findings from the imaging, and any relevant patient history or symptoms that correlate with the abnormal findings.