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R79.1
ICD-10-CM
Prothrombin Time

Understand Prothrombin Time (PT) test results, normal ranges, and their role in evaluating bleeding and clotting disorders. This resource provides information on PT INR, international normalized ratio, medical coding for prolonged prothrombin time, and clinical documentation best practices for healthcare professionals. Learn about the significance of PT in anticoagulation therapy management, differential diagnosis, and patient care. Find details on interpreting elevated or decreased prothrombin time levels and relevant medical terminology for accurate healthcare records.

Also known as

PT
Protime
Clotting Time

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Measures blood clotting time, reflecting prothrombin levels.
  • Clinical Signs : Bleeding, bruising, prolonged clotting after injury.
  • Common Settings : Anticoagulant therapy monitoring, liver disease evaluation.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R79.1 Coding
R79.89

Other specified abnormal findings

Abnormal findings of blood chemistry.

D68.9

Coagulation defects

Unspecified coagulation defect affecting prothrombin time.

R79.0

Abnormal coagulation profile

Includes abnormalities in PT, PTT, and other coagulation factors.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the prolonged PT due to Coumadin/Warfarin therapy?

  • Yes

    Do not code PT. Code the underlying condition managed by the anticoagulant.

  • No

    Is the PT abnormal due to an acquired condition?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Prolonged PT
Vitamin K deficiency
Liver disease

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Prothrombin time (PT) result in seconds
  • International Normalized Ratio (INR) value
  • Indication for PT test (e.g., warfarin monitoring, liver disease)
  • Date and time of PT test
  • Relevant medications (e.g., anticoagulants)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • PT Test Order Mismatch

    Incorrect PT test ordered (e.g., PT/INR instead of PT only) leading to wrong code assignment. Impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • Unspecified Diagnosis Coding

    Using unspecified PT codes without documenting the specific clinical indication risks claim denial and inaccurate quality reporting. CDI essential.

  • Lacking Medical Necessity

    Performing PT tests without proper documentation of medical necessity creates compliance risks and potential audit failures for healthcare providers.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document reason for PT test (e.g., warfarin monitoring, liver disease).
  • Specify PT reagent used for accurate INR calculation.
  • Ensure proper patient identification and sample labeling.
  • Record time of blood draw and test performance.
  • Review medication list for potential PT prolonging drugs.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify INR ordered with PT: ICD-10 R79.89
  • Confirm PT indication: hemorrhage, thrombosis, liver Dx (ICD-10)
  • Document patient meds affecting PT: warfarin, DOACs, etc.
  • Check recent surgeries/procedures: increased bleeding risk

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Prothrombin Time reimbursement hinges on accurate CPT coding (85610, etc.) and proper ICD-10 diagnosis coding (e.g., R79.89, D68.9) impacting hospital case mix index.
  • Quality metrics: PT/INR monitoring affects patient safety indicators for anticoagulation therapy, impacting hospital quality reporting and value-based payments.
  • Timely and accurate PT reporting impacts hospital revenue cycle management, reducing claim denials and improving reimbursement rates for coagulation studies.
  • Prothrombin time result turnaround time impacts clinical decision making, patient length of stay, and overall hospital efficiency for related DRGs.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code PT/INR testing accurately
  • Document indication for PT test
  • Review prolonged PT findings
  • Check for warfarin therapy codes
  • Consider VTE diagnosis codes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for evaluation of prolonged prothrombin time (PT).  Chief complaint includes [insert patient's chief complaint related to prolonged PT, e.g., easy bruising, bleeding gums, etc.].  Review of systems reveals [document pertinent positives and negatives related to bleeding and clotting disorders, e.g., history of epistaxis, hematuria, recent surgery, family history of bleeding disorders, medications such as anticoagulants, NSAIDs, or herbal supplements].  Physical examination reveals [document relevant physical findings, e.g., presence of petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, active bleeding].  Current medications include [list all current medications including dosage and frequency].  Patient's INR is [insert INR value].  Differential diagnosis includes vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), factor deficiency (e.g., Factor VII deficiency), and effects of anticoagulant therapy (e.g., warfarin).  Based on the patient's presentation, history, and laboratory findings, the assessment is prolonged prothrombin time likely secondary to [state most likely cause based on clinical findings].  Plan includes [outline plan for further investigation and management, e.g., repeat PT/INR, liver function tests, vitamin K administration, adjustment of anticoagulant therapy, referral to hematologist if indicated].  Patient education provided regarding the importance of medication adherence, dietary considerations if relevant, and signs and symptoms of bleeding complications.  Follow-up scheduled for [date] to re-evaluate PT/INR and assess response to treatment.  ICD-10 code: [insert appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., D68.30 for unspecified coagulation defect or other appropriate code based on etiology].