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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR84.8

R84.8

Other abnormal findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R84.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormal findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R84.8 is used to classify abnormal findings in specimens obtained from the respiratory organs and thorax that do not fall under more specific categories. This may include atypical cytological findings from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, or pleural fluid analysis that suggest the presence of disease but are not definitive for a specific diagnosis. Common examples include abnormal cell morphology, unusual inflammatory cells, or atypical glandular cells. These findings may indicate a range of conditions, from infections and inflammatory diseases to neoplastic processes. The clinical context is crucial, as the interpretation of these findings often requires correlation with clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and further diagnostic testing to establish a definitive diagnosis. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to ensure that the patient's medical record reflects the complexity of their condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying conditions represented by the findings.
  • Need for correlation with clinical history and other diagnostic tests.
  • Potential overlap with other codes for respiratory findings.
  • Variability in documentation quality from different specialties.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation linking findings to clinical symptoms.
  • Misinterpretation of lab results leading to incorrect coding.
  • Failure to specify the type of specimen analyzed.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, lab results, and any imaging studies must be documented to support the findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and abnormal lab results requiring further investigation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant clinical information is included to justify the use of R84.8.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the patient's presenting symptoms, initial lab findings, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute respiratory distress and abnormal findings on chest imaging or lab tests.

Billing Considerations

Rapid documentation is crucial; ensure that abnormal findings are clearly linked to the patient's acute presentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R84.8 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the findings are not classified elsewhere
  • Documentation must support the use of R84
  • 8, linking abnormal findings to clinical symptoms and further diagnostic workup

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R84.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

88104CPT Code

Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal, collected in a non-gynecologic setting

Clinical Scenario

Used when abnormal findings are noted in respiratory specimens requiring cytological evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of specimen, findings, and clinical context.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified specialist.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of abnormal findings, improving the specificity of patient records and facilitating better clinical decision-making.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of abnormal findings, improving the specificity of patient records and facilitating better clinical decision-making.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of abnormal findings, improving the specificity of patient records and facilitating better clinical decision-making.

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 R84.8?

Use R84.8 when you have abnormal findings in respiratory specimens that do not fit into a more specific diagnosis. Ensure that the findings are well-documented and linked to clinical symptoms.