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Compare/R85 vs R97

R85 vs R97

R85 (Abnormal findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity) compared with R97 (Abnormal tumor markers), 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. R85 carries an Excludes2 note covering R97: “abnormal tumor markers (R97.-)”

Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.

Side by side

R85Abnormal findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavityR97Abnormal tumor markers
Billing statusNon-billable header

Report instead: R85.0, R85.1, R85.2, R85.3, R85.4

Non-billable header

Report instead: R97.0, R97.1, R97.20, R97.21, R97.8

ClassificationR00-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)
DefinitionAbnormal findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (R85).Abnormal tumor markers is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (R97).
Includes
abnormal findings in peritoneal fluid
abnormal findings in saliva
Elevated tumor associated antigens [TAA]
Elevated tumor specific antigens [TSA]

Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources