Question 1

Is R79 a billable ICD-10 code?

Accepted Answer

No, R79 is not a billable code. It is a category code that requires additional specificity. You must select a more specific code from the subcategories for billing purposes.

Question 2

What does ICD-10 code R79 mean?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM code R79 represents Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification used for medical coding and billing in the United States.

Question 3

When was ICD-10 code R79 introduced?

Accepted Answer

Code R79 has been part of ICD-10-CM since 2016, when the coding system was mandated for use in the United States. This code was included in the original US implementation.

Question 4

What is the parent category for ICD-10 code R79?

Accepted Answer

The parent category for R79 is section:R70-R79 (Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)). This hierarchical classification helps organize related diagnoses for more accurate coding.

Question 5

What conditions are excluded from R79?

Accepted Answer

Code R79 has Type 1 Excludes (mutually exclusive conditions) including: asymptomatic hyperuricemia (E79.0); hyperglycemia NOS (R73.9); hypoglycemia NOS (E16.2) and 4 more conditions. These conditions cannot be coded together with R79 as they represent different diagnoses.

Question 6

Should I use additional codes with R79?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when coding R79, consider adding codes for: code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-). Additional codes provide more specificity about the patient's condition.

R792026

Excludes17Not coded together

Excludes211Not included here

Use Additional Code1Add code for detail

Notes9Additional information

Related Clinical Codes1Manifestation & etiology relationships