Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity (R70)

ICD-10 code R70 covers conditions involving an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and abnormalities in plasma viscosity. These codes are used when lab results show changes in blood sedimentation or viscosity without a specific underlying diagnosis identified.

This section includes R70.0, which is assigned when the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is higher than the normal reference range; terms like "erythrocyte sedimentation rate outside reference range" or "erythrocyte sedimentation rate above reference range" refer to this. Elevated ESR is a common lab finding that may indicate inflammation or other medical conditions but is not a diagnosis on its own. Meanwhile, R70.1 is used for abnormal plasma viscosity levels, including both higher and lower than normal blood viscosity, sometimes linked to terms like "hyperviscosity," "hypoviscosity," or "plasma viscosity outside reference range." This code also covers abnormal reticulocyte counts related to plasma viscosity changes. These codes help medical coders document abnormal blood test findings when specifics of disease cause are not yet known.