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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR76.9

R76.9

Abnormal immunological finding in serum, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R76.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal immunological finding in serum, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R76.9 is used to classify abnormal immunological findings in serum that are not specified elsewhere in the ICD-10 coding system. These findings may include atypical results from immunological tests, such as elevated or decreased levels of antibodies, abnormal complement levels, or other serum markers indicative of immune system dysfunction. The clinical significance of these findings can vary widely, ranging from benign variations to indicators of underlying autoimmune diseases, infections, or malignancies. The lack of specificity in this code necessitates careful clinical correlation and further diagnostic evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal finding. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the context of the abnormal result, including any associated symptoms or clinical findings, to guide appropriate management and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the code, requiring additional clinical context.
  • Potential overlap with other immunological conditions.
  • Need for correlation with laboratory findings and clinical symptoms.
  • Variability in interpretation of immunological test results.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the clinical context for the abnormal finding.
  • Failure to link the abnormal finding to a specific diagnosis.
  • Misinterpretation of laboratory results leading to incorrect coding.
  • Use of R76.9 when a more specific code is available.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the patient's history, physical examination findings, and any relevant laboratory results is essential. The clinician should specify the reason for the immunological testing and any associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, recurrent infections, or autoimmune symptoms may undergo immunological testing, leading to abnormal findings.

Billing Considerations

Internal medicine practitioners should ensure that the abnormal findings are interpreted in the context of the patient's overall health status and any existing conditions.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include the patient's presenting symptoms, the rationale for ordering immunological tests, and any immediate interventions taken based on the results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute allergic reactions or suspected autoimmune crises may present with abnormal immunological findings.

Billing Considerations

Emergency physicians must document the urgency of the situation and any follow-up plans based on the abnormal findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R76.9 When
  • Coders should follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that R76
  • 9 is used only when no other more specific code applies
  • Documentation must support the use of this code, including the clinical rationale for testing and any relevant findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R76.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

86001CPT Code

Immunology test, quantitative

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing immunological tests that yield abnormal results.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and immunology specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of immunological findings, but it has also introduced complexity due to the need for specificity. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that R76.9 is used appropriately and supported by documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of immunological findings, but it has also introduced complexity due to the need for specificity. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that R76.9 is used appropriately and supported by documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of immunological findings, but it has also introduced complexity due to the need for specificity. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that R76.9 is used appropriately and supported by documentation.

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 R76.9 be used?

R76.9 should be used when there is an abnormal immunological finding in serum that does not fit into a more specific category. It is essential to document the clinical context and any associated symptoms.