R78
Findings of drugs and other substances, not normally found in blood
Choose the additional character
R78 needs more characters to be billable. Pick the specific code below.
- R78.0Finding of alcohol in bloodBillable
- R78.1Finding of opiate drug in bloodBillable
- R78.2Finding of cocaine in bloodBillable
- R78.3Finding of hallucinogen in bloodBillable
- R78.4Finding of other drugs of addictive potential in bloodBillable
- R78.5Finding of other psychotropic drug in bloodBillable
- R78.6Finding of steroid agent in bloodBillable
- R78.7Finding of abnormal level of heavy metals in bloodMore levels
- R78.8Finding of other specified substances, not normally found in bloodMore levels
- R78.9Finding of unspecified substance, not normally found in bloodBillable
This code does not map to a risk-adjusting HCC in the loaded models.
Coding notes
Excludes 1 never coded together · Excludes 2 may co-exist
abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-) abnormalities of lipids (E78.-) abnormalities of platelets and thrombocytes (D69.-) abnormalities of white blood cells classified elsewhere (D70-D72) coagulation hemorrhagic disorders (D65-D68) diagnostic abnormal findings classified elsewhere - see Alphabetical Index hemorrhagic and hematological disorders of newborn (P50-P61)
abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-) certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96) signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)
This chapter includes symptoms, signs, abnormal results of clinical or other investigative procedures, and ill-defined conditions regarding which no diagnosis classifiable elsewhere is recorded. Signs and symptoms that point rather definitely to a given diagnosis have been assigned to a category in other chapters of the classification. In general, categories in this chapter include the less well-defined conditions and symptoms that, without the necessary study of the case to establish a final diagnosis, point perhaps equally to two or more diseases or to two or more systems of the body. Practically all categories in the chapter could be designated 'not otherwise specified', 'unknown etiology' or 'transient'. The Alphabetical Index should be consulted to determine which symptoms and signs are to be allocated here and which to other chapters. The residual subcategories, numbered .8, are generally provided for other relevant symptoms that cannot be allocated elsewhere in the classification. The conditions and signs or symptoms included in categories R00-R94 consist of: (a) cases for which no more specific diagnosis can be made even after all the facts bearing on the case have been investigated; (b) signs or symptoms existing at the time of initial encounter that proved to be transient and whose causes could not be determined; (c) provisional diagnosis in a patient who failed to return for further investigation or care; (d) cases referred elsewhere for investigation or treatment before the diagnosis was made; (e) cases in which a more precise diagnosis was not available for any other reason; (f) certain symptoms, for which supplementary information is provided, that represent important problems in medical care in their own right.
Official Guidelines for R78
FY 2026 ›Sections that reference R78
- I.B.4Signs and symptomsConventions & general rules
… Chapter 18 of ICD-10-CM, Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Not Elsewhere Classified (codes R00.0 - R99) contains many, but not all, codes for symptoms. …
- IV.DCodes that describe symptoms and signsOutpatient services
… Chapter 18 of ICD-10-CM, Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings Not Elsewhere Classified (codes R00-R99) contain many, but not all codes for symptoms.
Sections whose FY 2026 text names R78, its R78 category, or a range containing it — the chapter guidance above is the authoritative source.