2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R97Abnormal tumor markers

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R97›R97

ICD-10-CM R97
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

R97 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for abnormal tumor markers, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R97.0, R97.1, R97.20, and R97.21. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R97
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Abnormal tumor markers
Short Description
Abnormal tumor markers
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
R97
Abnormal tumor markers

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR97Abnormal tumor markers
CategoryR97Abnormal tumor markers
This CodeR97Abnormal tumor markers

Specific Coding for Abnormal tumor markersOverview

Non-specific codes like R97 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use R97.0 for Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]

  • Use R97.1 for Elevated cancer antigen 125 [CA 125]

  • R97.2 for Elevated prostate specific antigen [PSA]

  • Use R97.20 for Elevated prostate specific antigen [PSA]

  • Use R97.21 for Rising PSA following treatment for malignant neoplasm of prostate

  • Use R97.8 for Other abnormal tumor markers

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R97: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Applicable To

Conditions this code is used for: synonyms of the title or, for "other specified" codes, the conditions assigned to it. The list is not exhaustive.

  • Elevated tumor associated antigens [TAA]
  • Elevated tumor specific antigens [TSA]

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 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 R97, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming R97: 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 tumor markers (R97.-)

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 R97Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for abnormal tumor markers?

R97 is the ICD-10-CM category for abnormal tumor markers, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is R97 (Abnormal tumor markers) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for abnormal tumor markers, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for abnormal tumor markers need a more specific code from this category, such as R97.0, R97.1, and R97.20.

Can R97 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the abnormal tumor markers is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.