The ICD-10-CM code for elevated creatinine is R79.89 (Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry), a billable code reported when laboratory results show abnormal blood chemistry findings not classified under more specific codes.
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Coding risks
- Coding based on lab values alone without provider interpretation
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| R79.89 | Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry | Patient with a specified abnormal blood chemistry finding not classified as mineral, coagulation, or blood-gas related. |
| R79.9 | Abnormal finding of blood chemistry, unspecified | Abnormal blood chemistry finding documented without specifying the analyte or chemistry subtype involved. |
| R79.0 | Abnormal level of blood mineral | Patient with abnormal serum mineral level documented, such as calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus. |
| R79.1 | Abnormal coagulation profile | Abnormal coagulation studies such as elevated PT, PTT, or INR without a confirmed bleeding disorder diagnosis. |
| R79.81 | Abnormal blood-gas level | Patient with abnormal arterial blood gas results, no mineral or coagulation abnormality noted. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry
Category covering abnormal blood chemistry findings without a definitive diagnosis, including mineral, enzyme, and other specified or unspecified results.
Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
Sub-chapter for abnormal blood test results reported in the absence of a confirmed underlying disease diagnosis.
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity
Category for abnormal ESR and plasma viscosity findings reported without an established underlying diagnosis.
Abnormal serum enzyme levels
Category for nonspecific elevations in serum enzymes such as transaminases, LDH, amylase, and lipase without a confirmed diagnosis.
Other and unspecified metabolic disorders
Category for specified metabolic disorders including protein, plasma protein, and other defined metabolic abnormalities.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Elevated Creatinine.
Impact
Assigning R79.89 when CKD or acute kidney injury is clinically evident may understate severity and miscode as a symptom rather than N17 or N18.
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when only a lab value is noted, rather than inferring chronicity from prior creatinine trends.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
In pregnancy
Pregnancy-specific O-code adaptations used in place of the primary when the condition occurs during or complicates pregnancy.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use R79.89 only when creatinine is abnormal without a confirmed underlying diagnosis. Once CKD or AKI is documented, the N-code takes precedence.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-05-15.