ICD-10 R85
Non-Billable HeaderAbnormal findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity
About ICD-10-CM R85
ICD-10-CM code R85 represents Abnormal findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity. This is a non-billable header code in the Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Findings chapter (block R85). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM R85 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 R85. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- cloudy peritoneal dialysis effluent (R88.0)
- fecal abnormalities (R19.5)
Includes
- abnormal findings in peritoneal fluid
- abnormal findings in saliva
Medicare LCD Coverage for R85
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list R85 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 R85.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but R85 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with R85
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 R85
Other codes in section R83-R89 (Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis).
ICD-10 R85, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code R85 billable? +
No, R85 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block R85 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for R85? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with R85): cloudy peritoneal dialysis effluent (R88.0); fecal abnormalities (R19.5)
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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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