2025 ICD-10-CM code R59
Enlarged lymph nodes.
Medical necessity is established by the need to investigate the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes.The documentation must support the need for diagnostic testing and/or further evaluation.
Clinicians should investigate the underlying cause of enlarged lymph nodes, which can range from infections to malignancies.Further evaluation and specific diagnosis are crucial for appropriate management.This code is used when a definitive diagnosis has not yet been established.
- 18
- R00-R99 Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classifiedR50-R69 General symptoms and signs
In simple words: Swollen lymph nodes or swollen glands.
Enlarged lymph nodes. Includes: swollen glands.Excludes1: lymphadenitis NOS (I88.9) acute lymphadenitis (L04.-) chronic lymphadenitis (I88.1) mesenteric (acute) (chronic) lymphadenitis (I88.0)
Example 1: A patient presents with palpable cervical lymph nodes but no other symptoms.Initial lab work is inconclusive.R59 is used until a definitive diagnosis is made., A patient undergoing a routine physical exam is found to have enlarged axillary lymph nodes.Further investigation is pending. R59 is used until the cause is determined., A patient with a known history of lymphoma presents with new, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. While lymphoma is suspected, R59 can be used to document the new finding until confirmation through appropriate tests like biopsy.
Documentation should include the location and size of the enlarged lymph nodes, associated symptoms, and any diagnostic tests performed.If the enlargement is localized or generalized it needs to be documented.If the cause of the enlarged lymph node is known it needs to be documented and coded accordingly.
** R59 is a non-billable code and is not to be used for reimbursement purposes.It is crucial to use the most specific code available. When a definitive diagnosis is established, the diagnosis code should be updated accordingly.
- Payment Status: Non-Billable/Non-Specific
- Specialties:Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital,Emergency Room - Hospital