ICD-10 R84
Non-Billable HeaderAbnormal findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax
About ICD-10-CM R84
ICD-10-CM code R84 represents Abnormal findings in specimens from respiratory organs and thorax. This is a non-billable header code in the Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Findings chapter (block R84). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM R84 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 R84. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- blood-stained sputum (R04.2)
Includes
- abnormal findings in bronchial washings
- abnormal findings in nasal secretions
- abnormal findings in pleural fluid
- abnormal findings in sputum
- abnormal findings in throat scrapings
Medicare LCD Coverage for R84
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list R84 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 R84.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but R84 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with R84
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To R84
Other codes in section R83-R89 (Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis).
ICD-10 R84, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code R84 billable? +
No, R84 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block R84 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for R84? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with R84): blood-stained sputum (R04.2)
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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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