ICD-10 R79
Non-Billable HeaderOther abnormal findings of blood chemistry
About ICD-10-CM R79
ICD-10-CM code R79 represents Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry. This is a non-billable header code in the Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Findings chapter (block R79). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM R79 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with R79. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- 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
When coding R79, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for R79
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list R79 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing R79.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but R79 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with R79
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
- 80053 Comprehensive metabolic panel for diabetes management Internal Medicine
Codes Adjacent To R79
Other codes in section R70-R79 (Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis).
ICD-10 R79, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code R79 billable? +
No, R79 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block R79 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for R79? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with R79): asymptomatic hyperuricemia (E79.0); hyperglycemia NOS (R73.9); hypoglycemia NOS (E16.2)
What CPT codes are commonly billed with R79? +
Procedures frequently paired with R79 include: 80053.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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