Is ICD-10-CM code R89 billable?

No, R89 (Abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues) 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 R89 belong to?

R89 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R89Not billable, use a more specific code below

Abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues

In Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis (R83-R89), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

10 billable codes under R89: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

abnormal findings in nipple discharge
abnormal findings in synovial fluid
abnormal findings in wound secretions

Also applies, from Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis (R83-R89)

These notes sit on R83-R89 and apply to every code under it, including R89.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
diagnostic abnormal findings classified elsewhere - see Alphabetical Index

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)
abnormal findings on examination of urine, without diagnosis (R80-R82)
abnormal tumor markers (R97.-)

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 R89

R89 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R89 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under R89 group to MS-DRG 947, 948, 795, 867, 868, or 869 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 947 Signs and Symptoms with MCC (9 of 10 codes)
DRG 948 Signs and Symptoms without MCC (9 of 10 codes)
DRG 795 Normal Newborn (1 of 10 codes)
DRG 867 Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with MCC (1 of 10 codes)
DRG 868 Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with CC (1 of 10 codes)
DRG 869 Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses without CC/MCC (1 of 10 codes)

Other codes that refer to R89

Notes on these codes point to R89.

N64.52 Excludes1: abnormal findings in nipple discharge (R89.-)

Code history

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