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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAbnormal Lab Result

Abnormal Lab Result

ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Lab Result(R79.9, R73.09)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYEndocrinology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abnormal Lab Result?
Essential facts and insights about Abnormal Lab Result

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of abnormal findings in blood, urine, or other lab tests
  • Unusual or unexpected results that deviate from normal ranges

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Specific lab test conducted and its result
  • Clinical significance of the abnormal result
  • Patient's symptoms, if any, related to the abnormal result
  • Any follow-up tests or procedures planned

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • R79.9 is used for abnormal findings in blood, while R73.09 is used for abnormal glucose level
  • These codes should not be confused with R74, which is for abnormal serum enzyme levels

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
  • Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without diagnosis (R90-R94)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
R79.9
Abnormal findings in blood, unspecified
R73.09
Other abnormal glucose
Differential Codes
R73.09
R73.09
for documented non-diabetic hyperglycemia.
E11.9
E11.9
if diabetes is confirmed.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Endocrinology

Specialty Applications

  • Unusual or unexpected lab results requiring further investigation
  • Abnormal blood glucose levels not classified as diabetes

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Patient presented with abnormal lab results, specifically...

Template 2

Lab tests conducted revealed abnormal findings in...

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these codes be used for any abnormal lab result?

No, these codes are specific to abnormal findings in blood and glucose levels. Other abnormal findings may have different codes.

When should this code be used?

These codes should be used when a patient has abnormal lab results that are significant to their current medical condition, but a more specific code is not available.