R85.5
Billable

Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity

Billable / Specific Code

What is Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity?

ICD-10-CM R85.5 is the diagnosis code for Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity. This code falls under the section "Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis" within Chapter 18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for R85.5

✅ This Code Includes

  • Positive culture findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as R85.5. They are mutually exclusive:

  • colonization status (Z22.-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where R85.5 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R85.5 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, R85.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does R85.5 mean?

R85.5 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of R85.5?

The parent code of R85.5 is R85 ("Abnormal findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity"). R85.5 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is R85.5 in?

R85.5 is located in Section R83-R89 — "Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis" within Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use R85.5?

Use R85.5 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity?

The ICD-10-CM code for Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity is R85.5.

Can R85.5 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, R85.5 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is R85.5 in?

R85.5 is in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from R85.5?

Type 1 Excludes for R85.5 include: colonization status (Z22.-).

Is R85.5 valid for 2026?

Yes, R85.5 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousR85.4Abnormal immunological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavityNext →R85.6Abnormal cytological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity
Code Details
R85.5
Abnormal microbiological findings in specimens from digestive organs and abdominal cavity
Billable / Specific Code
18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
R83-R89 — Abnormal findings on examination of other body fluids, substances and tissues, without diagnosis
2026 ICD-10-CM