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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR91.8

R91.8

Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R91.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R91.8 is used to classify nonspecific abnormal findings in the lung fields that do not fit into more specific categories. These findings may be identified through imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans and can include a variety of abnormalities such as opacities, nodules, or infiltrates that are not clearly defined or diagnosed. Common symptoms associated with these findings may include cough, dyspnea, or chest pain, but many patients may be asymptomatic. The clinical context is crucial, as these findings can be indicative of a range of conditions from infections, inflammatory diseases, neoplasms, or even benign processes. The diagnostic approach typically involves correlating imaging findings with clinical history, physical examination, and possibly further diagnostic testing such as bronchoscopy or biopsy to ascertain the underlying cause. Given the nonspecific nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to document the clinical rationale for the imaging and any follow-up actions taken.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Nonspecific nature of the findings
  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for correlation with clinical context
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to correlate imaging results with symptoms
  • Misuse of the code for specific conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, and rationale for imaging studies must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic cough or unexplained dyspnea where imaging reveals nonspecific lung findings.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that any follow-up actions or referrals for further evaluation are documented to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute respiratory distress where imaging shows nonspecific lung abnormalities.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are crucial; ensure that the clinical urgency is reflected in the coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R91.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, R91
  • 8 should be used when the abnormal finding is not classified elsewhere and when the clinical significance is not yet determined
  • Coders should ensure that the findings are documented as nonspecific and that further evaluation is planned or has been performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R91.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

71045CPT Code

Radiologic examination, chest, 2 views

Clinical Scenario

Used when imaging is performed to evaluate nonspecific lung findings.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the chest X-ray and any relevant clinical history.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the imaging report correlates with the clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of nonspecific findings, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource utilization. R91.8 provides a mechanism for capturing abnormal findings that require further investigation without assigning a definitive diagnosis prematurely.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of nonspecific findings, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource utilization. R91.8 provides a mechanism for capturing abnormal findings that require further investigation without assigning a definitive diagnosis prematurely.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of nonspecific findings, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource utilization. R91.8 provides a mechanism for capturing abnormal findings that require further investigation without assigning a definitive diagnosis prematurely.

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 R91.8?

Use R91.8 when imaging reveals nonspecific abnormal findings in the lung fields that do not correspond to a more specific diagnosis. Ensure that the clinical context is well-documented.