R70 vs R89
R70 (Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity) compared with R89 (Abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).
Can these codes be reported together?
Yes, when both are documented. R89 carries an Excludes2 note covering R70: “abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis (R70-R79)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
Side by side
| R70Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity | R89Abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Non-billable header | Non-billable header |
| Classification | R00-R99 — Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Not Elsewhere Classified (R00-R99) | R00-R99 — Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Not Elsewhere Classified (R00-R99) |
| Definition | Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (R70). | Abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems and tissues is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (R89). |
| Includes | — | abnormal findings in nipple discharge abnormal findings in synovial fluid abnormal findings in wound secretions |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources