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 CodesR73.9

R73.9

Hyperglycemia, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R73.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hyperglycemia, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose levels, is a condition that can arise from various underlying causes, including diabetes mellitus, stress, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications. The term 'unspecified' indicates that the specific cause of hyperglycemia has not been determined or documented. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches. Laboratory findings typically include elevated blood glucose levels, often measured through fasting blood glucose tests or HbA1c levels. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of hyperglycemia to guide appropriate management and treatment. In cases where the cause is not immediately clear, further diagnostic testing may be warranted to rule out conditions such as diabetes mellitus or other endocrine disorders. Accurate documentation of symptoms, laboratory findings, and any relevant medical history is essential for proper coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive patient history
  • Differentiation from other hyperglycemic conditions
  • Documentation of symptoms and lab results

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify underlying causes
  • Inconsistent lab results not correlating with diagnosis
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including symptoms, lab results, and any comorbid conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, polyuria, and polydipsia without a known diagnosis of diabetes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab tests are documented, and consider the patient's medication history.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation, including vital signs, lab results, and immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute hyperglycemic symptoms, possibly in diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R73.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the hyperglycemia is not specified as due to a known condition
  • Document all relevant clinical findings and symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R73.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

82947CPT Code

Glucose; quantitative, blood (except reagent strip)

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm hyperglycemia in patients presenting with symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the test is linked to the diagnosis of hyperglycemia.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding options, but the use of unspecified codes like R73.9 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding options, but the use of unspecified codes like R73.9 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding options, but the use of unspecified codes like R73.9 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

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 R73.9?

Use R73.9 when a patient presents with hyperglycemia, and the specific cause has not been determined or documented. Ensure that all relevant symptoms and lab findings are documented.