Is ICD-10-CM code R50 billable?

No, R50 (Fever of other and unknown origin) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code R50 belong to?

R50 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R50Non-billable

Fever of other and unknown origin

Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings·General symptoms and signs (R50-R69)·category·FY 2026

Use a more specific code (2 billable, 1 non-billable)

R50.2Drug induced fever R50.8Other specified feverhas subcodes R50.9Fever, unspecified

CH18 Parent Instructions

Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)

abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters
signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)

Instructional Notes

Excludes1(Not coded here. Use a different code.)

chills without fever (R68.83)
febrile convulsions (R56.0-)
fever of unknown origin during labor (O75.2)
fever of unknown origin in newborn (P81.9)
hypothermia due to illness (R68.0)
malignant hyperthermia due to anesthesia (T88.3)
puerperal pyrexia NOS (O86.4)

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes

CH18Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)

R50-R69General symptoms and signs (R50-R69)

R50Fever of other and unknown originNot billable

R50.2Drug induced feverBillable

R50.8Other specified feverSubcodes

R50.9Fever, unspecifiedBillable

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.