2025 ICD-10-CM code R91.8
Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field. This code is used when a lung abnormality is found on imaging but a more specific diagnosis cannot be made.
The medical necessity for this code is established by the need for the diagnostic imaging that revealed the nonspecific abnormality. The imaging should be justified based on the patient's symptoms, signs, or other clinical indications.
The physician interpreting the diagnostic imaging is responsible for assigning this code when a nonspecific abnormality is found in the lung field.
- 18 Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without diagnosis (R90-R94)
In simple words: This code indicates an unusual finding in the lungs seen on an imaging test like an X-ray or CT scan, but it doesn't specify exactly what the problem is.
Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field.Includes findings such as lung mass NOS, pulmonary infiltrate NOS, and shadow on the lung found on diagnostic imaging.
Example 1: A patient undergoes a chest X-ray for pre-operative clearance and a lung mass NOS is found. Since there is no definitive diagnosis yet, R91.8 is assigned., A patient presents with respiratory symptoms, and a CT scan reveals pulmonary infiltrates.Without a confirmed diagnosis, such as pneumonia or other infection, R91.8 is appropriate., An incidental shadow is noted on a lung during a routine chest X-ray.Further investigation is needed to determine the nature of the shadow. Until then, R91.8 is used.
The physician's interpretation of the diagnostic imaging should clearly document the nonspecific abnormal finding in the lung field.Details about the size, location, and characteristics of the abnormality are helpful.
** This code is a temporary placeholder until a more definitive diagnosis can be established.It is crucial to follow up with further investigation to determine the specific cause of the abnormality. HCPCS codes related to diagnostic imaging, such as those for chest X-rays (e.g., 71010, 71020) or CT scans of the chest (e.g., 71250, 71260), might be applicable depending on the type of imaging performed.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Radiology, Pulmonology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and any specialty ordering and interpreting chest imaging.
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, and other places where diagnostic imaging is performed.