R79.89: Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
R79.89, other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 7 HCPCS Level II codes, including J2353 (Injection, octreotide, depot form for intramuscular…), Q9957 (Injection, perflutren lipid microspheres, per ml), Q9956 (Injection, octafluoropropane microspheres, per ml). The articles come from 1 Medicare contractor. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.
HCPCS Level II codes with R79.89 as a covered diagnosis
| Code | Description | Medicare coverage | DMEPOS fee 2026 (state range) | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J2353 | Injection, octreotide, depot form for intramuscular injection, 1 mg | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| Q9957 | Injection, perflutren lipid microspheres, per ml | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| Q9956 | Injection, octafluoropropane microspheres, per ml | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| Q9950 | Injection, sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres, per ml | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| A9700 | Supply of injectable contrast material for use in echocardiography, per study | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| Q9955 | Injection, perflexane lipid microspheres, per ml | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| M1211 | Most recent glycemic status assessment (hba1c or gmi) level > 9.0% | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
Medicare policy articles listing R79.89
- A56531: Billing and Coding: Octreotide Acetate for Injectable Suspension (Sandostatin® LAR Depot) (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L33438
- A58503: Billing and Coding: Echocardiography for Myocardial Perfusion (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 5 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L38786
- A56686: Billing and Coding: HbA1c (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L33431
A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover R79.89 (Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry)?
Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list R79.89 as a covered diagnosis for 7 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.
Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 R79.89?
The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are J2353 (Injection, octreotide, depot form for intramuscular…, 1 article); Q9957 (Injection, perflutren lipid microspheres, per ml, 1 article); Q9956 (Injection, octafluoropropane microspheres, per ml, 1 article); Q9950 (Injection, sulfur hexafluoride lipid microspheres, per ml, 1 article); A9700 (Supply of injectable contrast material for use in…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.
Which Medicare policy articles list R79.89?
A56531 (Billing and Coding: Octreotide Acetate for Injectable Suspension (Sandostatin® LAR Depot)); A58503 (Billing and Coding: Echocardiography for Myocardial Perfusion); A56686 (Billing and Coding: HbA1c).
What is ICD-10-CM code R79.89?
R79.89 is the ICD-10-CM code for other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry, in category R79 (Other abnormal findings of blood chemistry), chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal findings.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under J2353
- Watch J2353 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for J2353
Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.
Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal findings · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup