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    OpenPayerBilling CodesAbnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosisICD-10-CM r70-elevated-erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate And Abnormality Of Plasma Viscosity: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group R70 includes nonspecific laboratory findings of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormalities of plasma viscosity that can occur with inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, or other systemic conditions. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document abnormal inflammatory marker results and related laboratory findings, capturing clinical complexity that may prompt diagnostic evaluation or monitoring. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM R70 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM R70: Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate And Abnormality Of Plasma Viscosity Overview

    The diagnoses in this group represent laboratory abnormalities characterized by an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or altered plasma viscosity, reflecting systemic inflammation or changes in plasma proteins. These findings pertain to hematologic and inflammatory processes rather than a specific disease diagnosis. Accurate coding is important to document abnormal laboratory results that may prompt further evaluation and to support appropriate reimbursement for services related to the investigation of these abnormalities.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when laboratory testing documents an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or abnormal plasma viscosity and no definitive diagnosis explaining the finding has been established. These codes are appropriate when the abnormal result is the focus of the encounter or when documenting the need for further diagnostic evaluation.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    2 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    R70.0Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
    R70.1Abnormal plasma viscosity

    DRG Codes

    2 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    947Signs and Symptoms with MCC
    948Signs and Symptoms without MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A 68-year-old woman with fatigue, low-grade fever, and unexplained weight loss is evaluated in primary care. Routine labs show a markedly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate prompting further workup for inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic causes; no specific diagnosis is established at the visit, so an abnormal test finding is documented. Typical codes: R70.0
    • A 45-year-old man with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis presents for routine follow-up; laboratory monitoring reveals a chronically elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared with prior values but his joint exam is stable and no new diagnosis is made during the visit. The clinician records the persistent abnormal ESR result as a reason for continued surveillance. Typical codes: R70.1
    • A 55-year-old woman is seen in the emergency department after developing acute onset fever and malaise; initial blood work shows markedly increased plasma viscosity and elevated ESR, but infectious workup is pending and no definitive infection is identified at discharge. The ED clinician documents the abnormal viscosity/ESR as an important finding requiring outpatient follow-up. Typical codes: R70.0, R70.1

    Related Codes

    R71-ABNORMALITY-OF-RED-BLOOD-CELLS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Abnormality Of Red Blood Cells: Group Overview

    R73-ELEVATED-BLOOD-GLUCOSE-LEVEL

    ICD-10-CM Code For Elevated Blood Glucose Level: Group Overview

    R74-ABNORMAL-SERUM-ENZYME-LEVELS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Abnormal Serum Enzyme Levels: Group Overview

    R75-INCONCLUSIVE-HIV-LABORATORY-EVIDENCE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Inconclusive Laboratory Evidence Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Group Overview

    R76-OTHER-ABNORMAL-IMMUNOLOGICAL-FINDINGS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Abnormal Immunological Findings In Serum: Group Overview

    R77-OTHER-ABNORMALITIES-OF-PLASMA-PROTEINS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Abnormalities Of Plasma Proteins: Group Overview

    R78-FINDINGS-OF-DRUGS-AND-OTHER-SUBSTANCES

    ICD-10-CM Code For Findings Of Drugs And Other Substances Not Normally Found In Blood: 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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