ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR16

R16

Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, not elsewhere classified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R16 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, not elsewhere classified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) and splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) are clinical findings that can indicate a variety of underlying conditions. These findings are often detected during physical examinations or imaging studies. Hepatomegaly may present with symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fullness, or pain, while splenomegaly may lead to symptoms like early satiety or left upper quadrant pain. Common causes include liver diseases (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease), hematologic disorders (like leukemia or lymphoma), infections (such as mononucleosis), and metabolic disorders (like hemochromatosis). The diagnostic approach typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, laboratory tests (including liver function tests, complete blood count, and imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans) to identify the underlying etiology. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the clinical findings and any associated symptoms or laboratory results.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive documentation
  • Differentiation from other similar codes
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify underlying conditions
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and results of laboratory and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic liver disease, hematologic disorders, or unexplained abdominal pain.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any associated symptoms and the rationale for further diagnostic testing.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes must include vital signs, immediate lab results, and imaging findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain, trauma, or suspected infections leading to splenomegaly.

Billing Considerations

Document the acute nature of the presentation and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R16 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when hepatomegaly and splenomegaly are documented without a more specific diagnosis
  • Always check for any additional codes that may provide more specificity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R16 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

3 codes
R16.0
Hepatomegaly, not elsewhere classified
R16.1
Splenomegaly, not elsewhere classified
R16.2
Hepatomegaly with splenomegaly, not elsewhere classified

Related CPT Codes

74176CPT Code

Ultrasound, abdomen, complete

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate hepatomegaly or splenomegaly.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the ultrasound and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the ultrasound report is linked to the diagnosis of R16.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but it has also increased the complexity of documentation requirements. R16 requires careful consideration of the clinical context to ensure accurate coding.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but it has also increased the complexity of documentation requirements. R16 requires careful consideration of the clinical context to ensure accurate coding.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but it has also increased the complexity of documentation requirements. R16 requires careful consideration of the clinical context to ensure accurate coding.

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 R16 instead of a more specific code?

Use R16 when hepatomegaly and splenomegaly are documented without a more specific diagnosis available. Always check for any underlying conditions that may have their own codes.