R78.9 — Finding of unspecified substance, not normally found in blood
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- All documentation must be maintained in the patient's medical record and made available to the contractor upon request.
- Every page of the record must be legible and include appropriate patient identification information (e.g., complete name, dates of service).
- The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care.
- The submitted medical record must support the use of the selected ICD-10-CM code(s).
Key Coverage Criteria
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is covered when it meets the reasonable and necessary requirements specified in Local Coverage Determination L33583.
- EGD is covered for persistent upper abdominal distress (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease) that continues despite an appropriate trial of symptomatic therapy.
- EGD is covered for upper abdominal distress accompanied by a short history of concerning signs or symptoms such as weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, or NSAID/other gastric irritant intake.
- EGD is covered for patients older than 40 years who have a significant history of heartburn that recurs after a course of symptomatic therapy.
- EGD is covered for patients with dysphagia or odynophagia.
- EGD is covered for persistent, unexplained vomiting.
2 Active Policies
A57063 — Billing and Coding: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
L33583 — Diagnostic and Therapeutic Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
J09
Related Codes
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