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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesSymptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomenICD-10-CM r17-unspecified-jaundice
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Unspecified Jaundice: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group R17 includes diagnoses of jaundice not otherwise specified, capturing presentations of yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes when a specific cause is not documented. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical presentations of hyperbilirubinemia without definitive etiologic coding, capturing severity and associated clinical findings when specific hepatic, biliary, or hemolytic causes are not yet determined. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM R17 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM R17: Unspecified Jaundice Overview

    The ICD-10-CM R17 group represents diagnoses of jaundice where a more specific underlying cause has not been identified or documented. These codes target disorders of bilirubin metabolism and visible yellowing of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes related to hepatic, biliary, or hemolytic processes. Accurate coding matters for reimbursement because unspecified codes can affect claim adjudication and may prompt requests for clarification or additional documentation.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when the clinical record documents jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia without sufficient information to assign a more specific etiology. Do not select these codes if documentation specifies a definite cause such as viral hepatitis, obstructive biliary disease, or hemolytic anemia.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    1 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    R17Unspecified jaundice

    DRG Codes

    3 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    441Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis with MCC
    442Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis with CC
    443Disorders of Liver Except Malignancy, Cirrhosis or Alcoholic Hepatitis without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An adult presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of yellowing of the skin and sclera over the past 48 hours, dark urine, and mild abdominal discomfort after a recent viral illness. Initial evaluation shows elevated bilirubin but no clear hemolysis or chronic liver disease on history; the clinician documents visible jaundice without an identified underlying cause and assigns a code to capture the presenting sign. Typical codes: R17
    • An older patient with multiple comorbidities (including congestive heart failure and medication changes) is seen in clinic for new persistent yellow discoloration of the eyes noted over weeks; liver imaging and labs are pending but the clinician records the symptom as the working problem while awaiting results. Typical codes: R17
    • A hospitalized patient recovering from sepsis develops conjugated hyperbilirubinemia with clinically apparent jaundice; hepatology and imaging are consulted but the etiology is not yet established during the admission, so the treating team documents the symptom as part of the inpatient problem list. Typical codes: R17

    Related Codes

    R10-ABDOMINAL-AND-PELVIC-PAIN

    ICD-10-CM Code For Abdominal And Pelvic Pain: Group Overview

    R11-NAUSEA-AND-VOMITING

    ICD-10-CM Code For Nausea And Vomiting: Group Overview

    R12-HEARTBURN

    ICD-10-CM Code For Heartburn: Group Overview

    R13-APHAGIA-AND-DYSPHAGIA

    ICD-10-CM Code For Aphagia And Dysphagia: Group Overview

    R14-FLATULENCE-AND-RELATED-CONDITIONS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Flatulence And Related Conditions: Group Overview

    R15-FECAL-INCONTINENCE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Fecal Incontinence: Group Overview

    R16-HEPATOMEGALY-AND-SPLENOMEGALY

    ICD-10-CM Code For Hepatomegaly And Splenomegaly Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

    R18-ASCITES

    ICD-10-CM Code For Ascites: Group Overview

    R19-OTHER-SYMPTOMS-AND-SIGNS-DIGESTIVE-SYSTEM

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Symptoms And Signs Involving The Digestive System And Abdomen: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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