Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry (R79)
The ICD-10 code section R79 covers various abnormal findings in blood chemistry tests that do not specify a precise diagnosis. These codes address unusual blood test results related to minerals, coagulation, blood gases, proteins, and other chemical substances.
This section includes specific codes such as R79.0 for abnormal blood mineral levels; terms like "serum sodium above reference range" and "blood magnesium below reference range" fall under this code, helping coders identify mineral imbalances. The R79.1 code is used for abnormal coagulation profiles, including deviations in thrombin time and prothrombin time, aiding in the documentation of clotting abnormalities. For blood gas irregularities like abnormal arterial or venous pH, the R79.81 code is applicable. Elevated inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein are coded by R79.82. Other specified blood chemistry abnormalities; including abnormal amino acid levels and various hormone or protein findings; are covered under R79.83 and R79.89. When the abnormality is unspecified, R79.9 is used. These codes assist healthcare professionals and coders in accurately recording a wide range of abnormal blood chemistry findings documented during clinical evaluations.
Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99)
Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)
R79 Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry
- R79.0 Abnormal level of blood mineral
- R79.1 Abnormal coagulation profile
R79.8 Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
- R79.81 Abnormal blood-gas level
- R79.82 Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)
- R79.83 Abnormal findings of blood amino-acid level
- R79.89 Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
- R79.9 Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecified
Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry (R79)
Instructional Notations
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable Z18
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- asymptomatic hyperuricemia E79.0
- hyperglycemia NOS R73.9
- hypoglycemia NOS E16.2
- neonatal hypoglycemia P70.3 P70.4
- specific findings indicating disorder of amino-acid metabolism E70 E72
- specific findings indicating disorder of carbohydrate metabolism E73 E74
- specific findings indicating disorder of lipid metabolism E75
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Azotemia
A biochemical abnormality referring to an elevation of BLOOD UREA NITROGEN and CREATININE. Azotemia can be produced by KIDNEY DISEASES or other extrarenal disorders. When azotemia becomes associated with a constellation of clinical signs, it is termed UREMIA.
Hypocapnia
Clinical manifestation consisting of a deficiency of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.
