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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesAbnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosisICD-10-CM r71-abnormality-of-red-blood-cells
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Abnormality Of Red Blood Cells: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group R71 includes nonspecific laboratory and microscopic abnormalities of red blood cells such as anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, or abnormal erythrocyte indices that are reported without a confirmed disease diagnosis. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document abnormal red blood cell findings identified on peripheral smear or automated testing, capturing diagnostic uncertainty and the need for further evaluation. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM R71 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM R71: Abnormality Of Red Blood Cells Overview

    The ICD-10-CM R71 code group captures abnormal findings on examination of red blood cells reported without a definitive diagnosis. These codes target hematologic laboratory abnormalities such as altered red blood cell morphology, size, or hemoglobin content and relate to the blood and circulatory system. Accurate coding matters for reimbursement because it documents clinical findings that may prompt further evaluation and justifies medical necessity for diagnostic testing.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when the clinician documents an abnormal red blood cell finding on laboratory or microscopic examination but does not record a definitive diagnosis explaining the abnormality. These codes are appropriate to indicate abnormal test results that may require follow-up testing or specialist evaluation.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    2 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    R71.0Precipitous drop in hematocrit
    R71.8Other abnormality of red blood cells

    DRG Codes

    2 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    811Red Blood Cell Disorders with MCC
    812Red Blood Cell Disorders without MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An adult presents to the emergency department with new onset jaundice, fatigue, and dark urine after several days of fever. Laboratory testing reveals a markedly elevated reticulocyte count and a peripheral smear with numerous spherocytes, but definitive etiology is not yet established; a clinician assigns a code from this group to document the abnormal red blood cell findings pending further workup. Typical codes: R71.0.
    • An outpatient with a history of chronic kidney disease is seen in clinic for routine monitoring; routine CBC and peripheral smear show persistent anisocytosis and poikilocytosis without a confirmed specific hematologic diagnosis. The abnormal red blood cell morphology is being reported as the reason for further hematology evaluation and is coded to reflect the ongoing abnormal RBC findings. Typical codes: R71.8.
    • A hospitalized patient with sepsis develops acute hemolysis with falling hemoglobin and fragmented red cells on peripheral smear; the team documents the abnormal red blood cell findings as a secondary problem while treating the underlying infection and hemodynamic instability. Typical codes: R71.0, R71.8.

    Related Codes

    R70-ELEVATED-ERYTHROCYTE-SEDIMENTATION-RATE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate And Abnormality Of Plasma Viscosity: 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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