ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code R78.71: Abnormal lead level in blood

R78.71 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Abnormal lead level in blood in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents abnormal lead level in blood in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
18Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
block
R70-R79Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
category
R78Findings of drugs and other substances, not normally found in blood
category
R78.7Finding of abnormal level of heavy metals in blood
currentR78.7

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • lead poisoning (T56.0-)

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

General PhysicianHematologist

Coverage-related procedures and services

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Abnormal lead level in blood

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeR78.71
SystemICD10
Display nameAbnormal lead level in blood
ChapterSymptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
BlockAbnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Findings, abnormal, inconclusive, without diagnosis

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code R78.71 for Abnormal lead level in blood | HealthAssure