R79: ICD10 Code for Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

R79 refers to Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry, covering findings like high ESR, abnormal red blood cell shapes, elevated blood glucose, unusual enzyme levels, inconclusive HIV tests, plasma protein anomalies, and drug substances detected in blood tests.

Symptoms

• Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate – R70
• Red blood cell abnormalities – R71
• High fasting or random glucose levels – R73
• Abnormal enzyme patterns (e.g., liver, cardiac enzymes) – R74
• Unclear HIV test results – R75
• Unexpected immune markers in blood – R76
• Plasma protein abnormalities – R77
• Drug detection without known use – R78
• General chemical anomalies – R79

Diagnosis

Blood abnormalities are identified through CBCs (complete blood counts), ESR tests, blood glucose panels, enzyme assays (like ALT, AST), HIV screenings, immunoglobulin tests, and toxicology panels depending on the clinical suspicion.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code R79 supports initial documentation of unusual laboratory results when a final clinical diagnosis has not yet been established, crucial for further investigation and medical billing.

Related Codes

• R70 – Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity
• R71 – Abnormality of red blood cells
• R73 – Elevated blood glucose level
• R74 – Abnormal serum enzyme levels
• R75 – Inconclusive laboratory evidence of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]
• R76 – Other abnormal immunological findings in serum
• R77 – Other abnormalities of plasma proteins
• R78 – Findings of drugs and other substances, not normally found in blood

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code R79?
A: It documents Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry based on laboratory anomalies requiring further clinical correlation.

Q2: Can abnormal blood chemistry indicate disease?
A: Yes, they often suggest underlying conditions like diabetes, infections, immune disorders, or toxicity.

Q3: What is an inconclusive HIV test?
A: A test where preliminary HIV antibodies or antigens are detected but not confirmed.

Q4: How is ESR interpreted?
A: Elevated ESR can signal inflammation, infection, or autoimmune diseases but needs clinical correlation.

Q5: Are incidental drug findings serious?
A: They can be medically relevant if unexpected substances are detected, especially in cases of overdose or substance use disorders.

Conclusion

ICD10 code R79 facilitates the reporting of Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry, ensuring appropriate follow-up, additional diagnostics, and a complete clinical record based on abnormal blood and serum findings.