Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(R70.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Elevated ESRIncreased Sed Rate

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

R70-R79Primary Range

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal blood test results, including elevated ESR, when no specific diagnosis is identified.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for elevated ESR

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

The ICD-10 code for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is R70.0, used when no specific diagnosis explains the elevation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ESR value above normal range without a known cause.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using with excluded codes like E78.-

Applicable To

  • Elevated ESR without a known cause

Excludes

  • Hyperlipidemia (E78.-)
  • Abnormal glucose (R73.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ESR value documented as elevated
  • No definitive diagnosis explaining the elevation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with conditions like hyperlipidemia or prediabetes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states 'elevated ESR' and no other diagnosis explains the elevation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Systemic lupus erythematosus, unspecified

M35.9
Use when autoimmune etiology is confirmed.

Rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified

M05.9
Use for inflammatory arthritis.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry

R79.89
Use R79.89 for other abnormal blood chemistry findings not specifically related to ESR.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R70.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misinterpretation of patient condition., Regulatory: Fails to meet coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'elevated ESR'., Provide lab values and context.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Violates Excludes1 note rules., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Code only the hyperlipidemia; do not use R70.0.

Impact

Coding R70.0 without documented lab values or context.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific ESR values and clinical context.

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 Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Rheumatology Clinic Note

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • ESR value
  • Method of measurement
  • Clinical context
  • Symptoms

Example Documentation

Assessment: Elevated ESR (62 mm/hr) - R70.0. Suspected giant cell arteritis. Plan: Temporal artery biopsy scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ESR high.
Good Documentation Example
ESR elevated to 65 mm/hr via Westergren method, no infectious source identified.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and context, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more