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ICD-10 Coding for Antinuclear Antibody(R76.0, R76.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Antinuclear Antibody. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ANAAntinuclear Antibodies

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Antinuclear Antibody

R76-R79Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal immunological findings, such as elevated ANA titers and specific ANA patterns.

Systemic connective tissue disorders

This range includes autoimmune diseases often associated with positive ANA tests, such as lupus and Sjögren's syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R76.0Raised antibody titerUse when ANA titer is elevated without specific pattern documentation.
  • ANA titer ≥1:160
  • Testing method documented (IFA/ELISA)
R76.8Other specified abnormal immunological findings in serumUse when specific ANA patterns are documented.
  • Specific ANA pattern documented
  • Pattern intensity ≥3+ on IFA

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for elevated ANA titer

Essential facts and insights about Antinuclear Antibody

The ICD-10 code for elevated ANA titer is R76.0, used when the titer is ≥1:160 without specific pattern documentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for antinuclear antibody

Raised antibody titer
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ANA titer ≥1:160

documentation Criteria

  • Method of testing documented

Applicable To

  • Elevated ANA titer

Excludes

  • Specific autoimmune diseases (M30-M36)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ANA titer ≥1:160
  • Testing method documented (IFA/ELISA)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without an accompanying autoimmune disease code

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes titer and method.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, unspecified

M32.9
Use as a primary code when SLE is diagnosed.

Sjögren's syndrome, unspecified

M35.00
Use as a primary code when Sjögren's syndrome is diagnosed.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other specified abnormal immunological findings in serum

R76.8
Use R76.8 when specific ANA patterns are documented.

Raised antibody titer

R76.0
Use R76.0 for elevated titer without pattern.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Antinuclear Antibody to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R76.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include titer and pattern in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in denied claims due to incomplete coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient's condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair R76.0 with a relevant autoimmune disease code.

Impact

Failure to document ANA titer and pattern can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and ensure all required elements are documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Antinuclear Antibody, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Antinuclear Antibody

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Antinuclear Antibody. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Rheumatology Evaluation

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • ANA titer and pattern
  • Associated symptoms
  • Testing method

Example Documentation

Patient presents with joint pain and fatigue. ANA 1:640 homogeneous pattern by IFA. Anti-dsDNA 45 IU/mL. Diagnosis: SLE.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Positive ANA.
Good Documentation Example
ANA 1:640 homogeneous pattern by IFA, anti-dsDNA positive.
Explanation
The good example provides specific titer, pattern, and method, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Antinuclear Antibody? Ask your questions below.

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