Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity (R70) ICD-10-CM
The R70 code range covers elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity with 3 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 2 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Codes in the R70 Range 3 codes · 2 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the R70 range.
Reticulocytosis
An increase in circulating RETICULOCYTES, which is among the simplest and most reliable signs of accelerated ERYTHROCYTE production. Reticulocytosis occurs during active BLOOD regeneration (stimulation of red bone marrow) and in certain types of ANEMIA, particularly CONGENITAL HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA.
About the R70 Code Range
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.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the R70 range?
Of the 3 codes in this range, 2 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the R70 range classify?
The range classifies elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
