Is ICD-10-CM code R79 billable?

No, R79 (Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry) 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 R79 belong to?

R79 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R79Non-billable

Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry

Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings·Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)·category·FY 2026

Use a more specific code (3 billable, 1 non-billable)

R79.0Abnormal level of blood mineral R79.1Abnormal coagulation profile R79.8Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistryhas subcodes R79.9Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, 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)

R70-R79 Parent Instructions

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)

Instructional Notes

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

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.-)

Use Additional Code

code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes

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

R70-R79Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)

R79Other abnormal findings of blood chemistryNot billable

R79.0Abnormal level of blood mineralBillable

R79.1Abnormal coagulation profileBillable

R79.8Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistrySubcodes

R79.9Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecifiedBillable

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.