2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R70.0Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R70-R79›R70

ICD-10-CM R70.0
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

R70.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 947 through 948. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. Coders also document this condition as erythrocyte sedimentation rate - finding. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Abnormal findings without diagnosis.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R70.0
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Short Description
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R70
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR70-R79Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
CategoryR70Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity
This CodeR70.0Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - finding
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate above reference range
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate outside reference range

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R70.0: its own notes plus those printed at block R70-R79 and Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block R70-R79 Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis applies to 45 codes
  • abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
  • abnormalities of lipids (E78.-)
  • abnormalities of platelets and thrombocytes (D69.-)
  • abnormalities of white blood cells classified elsewhere (D70-D72)
  • coagulation hemorrhagic disorders (D65-D68)
  • diagnostic abnormal findings classified elsewhere - see Alphabetical Index
  • hemorrhagic and hematological disorders of newborn (P50-P61)
From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters
  • signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • This chapter includes symptoms, signs, abnormal results of clinical or other investigative procedures, and ill-defined conditions regarding which no diagnosis classifiable elsewhere is recorded.
  • Signs and symptoms that point rather definitely to a given diagnosis have been assigned to a category in other chapters of the classification. In general, categories in this chapter include the less well-defined conditions and symptoms that, without the necessary study of the case to establish a final diagnosis, point perhaps equally to two or more diseases or to two or more systems of the body. Practically all categories in the chapter could be designated 'not otherwise specified', 'unknown etiology' or 'transient'. The Alphabetical Index should be consulted to determine which symptoms and signs are to be allocated here and which to other chapters. The residual subcategories, numbered .8, are generally provided for other relevant symptoms that cannot be allocated elsewhere in the classification.
  • The conditions and signs or symptoms included in categories R00-R94 consist of:
  • (a) cases for which no more specific diagnosis can be made even after all the facts bearing on the case have been investigated;
  • (b) signs or symptoms existing at the time of initial encounter that proved to be transient and whose causes could not be determined;
  • (c) provisional diagnosis in a patient who failed to return for further investigation or care;
  • (d) cases referred elsewhere for investigation or treatment before the diagnosis was made;
  • (e) cases in which a more precise diagnosis was not available for any other reason;
  • (f) certain symptoms, for which supplementary information is provided, that represent important problems in medical care in their own right.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name R70.0, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming R70.0: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • Block R83-R89 Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis
    abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79) names R70-R79, which includes this code

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SYM017
Abnormal findings without diagnosis
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Erythrocytes are red blood cells. The sedimentation rate is the time it takes for your red blood cells to settle at the bottom of a test tube. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that can show if you have inflammation in your body.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert R70.0 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
790.1 Elevated sediment rate
Exact Match The mapping is direct, with no qualifiers.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About R70.0Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate?

The ICD-10-CM code for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is R70.0 (sometimes written as R700). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is R70.0 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

What MS-DRG does R70.0 group to?

When elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 948, 947, with relative weights from 0.7833 to 1.2608 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Can R70.0 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R70.0?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate converts to ICD-9-CM 790.1 (elevated sediment rate). The mapping is a direct match.