Is ICD-10-CM code R73 billable?

No, R73 (Elevated blood glucose level) 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 R73 belong to?

R73 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R73Not billable, use a more specific code below

Elevated blood glucose level

In Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

5 billable codes under R73: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

diabetes mellitus (E08-E13)
diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O24.-)
neonatal disorders (P70.0-P70.2)
postsurgical hypoinsulinemia (E89.1)

Also applies, from Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)

These notes sit on R70-R79 and apply to every code under it, including R73.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
abnormalities of lipids (E78.-)
abnormalities of platelets and thrombocytes (D69.-)
abnormalities of white blood cells classified elsewhere (D70-D72)
coagulation hemorrhagic disorders (D65-D68)
diagnostic abnormal findings classified elsewhere - see Alphabetical Index
hemorrhagic and hematological disorders of newborn (P50-P61)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers when to report symptom, sign, and abnormal finding codes (R00-R99), plus specific rules for falls, coma scales, non-infectious SIRS, death NOS, and NIHSS scores.

Use of symptom codes (page 75)
Use of a symptom code with a definitive diagnosis code (page 75)
Combination codes that include symptoms (page 75)
Repeated falls (page 76)
Coma (page 76)
Functional quadriplegia (page 76)
SIRS due to Non-Infectious Process (page 77)
Death NOS (page 77)

Read Section I.C.18 (page 75), 1 more topics

All codes under R73

R73 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R73 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 5 billable codes under R73 group to MS-DRG 640 or 641 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Blood Glucose

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood. It is your body's primary source of energy. It comes from the food you eat. Your body breaks down most of that food into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.