ICD-10 Guide

R85.2

Abnormal level of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R85.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal level of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R85.2 is used to classify abnormal levels of drugs, medicaments, and biological substances found in specimens obtained from the digestive organs and abdominal cavity. This code encompasses a variety of substances that may not be specifically categorized elsewhere in the ICD-10 system. Abnormal levels can indicate potential toxicity, therapeutic drug monitoring, or adverse drug reactions. Common symptoms associated with abnormal drug levels may include gastrointestinal disturbances, altered mental status, or signs of systemic toxicity. Laboratory findings may reveal elevated or decreased concentrations of specific substances, necessitating further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Clinicians must consider the patient's medication history, potential drug interactions, and any recent changes in medication regimens when interpreting these findings. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Variety of substances that can be included under this code
Need for detailed documentation of drug history
Potential overlap with other codes for drug toxicity
Variability in laboratory testing methods and reference ranges

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of the specific substances tested
Failure to link abnormal findings to clinical symptoms
Misclassification of drug levels as normal when they are not
Lack of clarity in the patient's medication history

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed medication history, including prescribed and over-the-counter drugs, and any recent changes in therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and a known history of polypharmacy.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of drug interactions and the patient's overall health status is crucial for accurate coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include the patient's presenting symptoms, drug history, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute toxicity or overdose symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are essential in emergency settings to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R85.2 When

Coders should refer to the official ICD
CM guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is clear documentation of abnormal levels of drugs or substances in the specified specimens
It is important to link the code to clinical findings and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R85.2 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

80076CPT Code

Comprehensive metabolic panel

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess metabolic function and detect abnormalities in drug levels.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine specialists may frequently order this panel for monitoring patients on multiple medications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal drug levels, improving the ability to track and manage patient care related to medication use.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal drug levels, improving the ability to track and manage patient care related to medication use.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal drug levels, improving the ability to track and manage patient care related to medication use.

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

What types of substances are included under R85.2?

R85.2 includes a variety of drugs, medicaments, and biological substances that are not classified elsewhere, such as certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that may affect digestive organ function.

ICD-10 R85.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal level of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity.