2025 ICD-10-CM code R79
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99) Feed
This code signifies unspecified abnormal findings in blood chemistry tests.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the testing. Refer to the specific payer's guidelines for applicable modifiers.
Medical necessity is established when the physician orders blood chemistry tests to investigate symptoms, assess the patient's overall health, or monitor the effectiveness of treatment.Abnormal results warrant further investigation to determine the cause and appropriate management.
The clinical responsibility lies with the physician or healthcare professional who ordered and interpreted the blood chemistry tests. They are responsible for further investigation and diagnosis based on the abnormal results.
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- R70-R79: Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
In simple words: This code is used when blood tests show something unusual, but doctors aren't sure what it means yet. It's a temporary code until more information is available.
R79, Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry, encompasses any abnormal results from blood chemistry tests that don't fit into more specific ICD-10-CM categories.It's a catch-all code used when multiple abnormalities are present or when the specific abnormality is unknown or cannot be definitively diagnosed.The code is for use when more specific diagnoses aren't possible despite investigations.Additional codes should be used to specify any relevant findings or conditions, such as the presence of a foreign body (Z18.-).
Example 1: A patient presents with general malaise and fatigue. Blood tests reveal elevated liver enzymes, but further investigation (e.g., imaging, liver biopsy) is needed to determine the cause. R79 is used as a placeholder until a definitive diagnosis is established., A patient with a history of kidney disease has abnormal electrolyte levels on routine blood work.R79 is used until the underlying cause (e.g., dehydration, medication side effect) is identified and coded appropriately., During a routine pre-operative assessment, a patient's blood tests reveal several minor abnormalities, without clear clinical significance, but no clear indication of which further tests to be done.R79 is used as a temporary code awaiting the physician's further investigation.
Complete blood chemistry test results, including specific values for each analyte, along with any other relevant lab tests, clinical findings (physical exam, symptoms), and the physician's interpretation of the results and any plans for further investigation.
** This code should be used cautiously and only when a more specific code is not available.It should be considered a temporary code, pending further investigation and clarification of the abnormal findings. Always refer to the most current ICD-10-CM guidelines for coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:All medical specialties may use this code, as abnormal blood chemistry findings can be relevant across a broad range of medical conditions.
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Urgent Care Facility, Laboratory, other applicable settings.