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R79.1
ICD-10-CM
Prothrombin Time Test

Understand Prothrombin Time (PT) test results, including INR and PT/INR. This guide covers clinical documentation, medical coding (CPT codes), healthcare implications, and interpretation for effective patient care. Learn about normal ranges, elevated PT levels, and how this blood test assesses blood clotting function for diagnosis and monitoring of conditions requiring anticoagulation therapy.

Also known as

Protime
PT Test
INR Test

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Measures how long it takes blood to clot.
  • Clinical Signs : Bleeding, bruising, or clotting problems.
  • Common Settings : Evaluating bleeding disorders or monitoring anticoagulant therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Other specified abnormalities of coagulation

Abnormal prothrombin time (PT) findings fall under this general category.

D68.59

Other specified coagulation defects

This includes unspecified coagulation factor deficiencies affecting PT.

Z01.818

Encounter for preprocedural laboratory examination

PT testing done prior to surgery or invasive procedure.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is PT test for routine monitoring of anticoagulation?

  • Yes

    Report Z72.89 (Encounter for other specified health care)

  • No

    Is PT test for suspected bleeding disorder?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Prothrombin Time (PT)
International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Prothrombin time (PT) test result (INR)
  • Indication for PT test (e.g., warfarin monitoring, liver disease)
  • Date and time of PT test
  • Specimen source (e.g., venous blood)
  • Relevant medications (e.g., anticoagulants)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Incorrect PT Code

    Using an outdated or incorrect CPT code for the prothrombin time test, such as coding for a PT/INR when only a PT was performed, leading to claim denials.

  • Missing Documentation

    Lack of sufficient documentation of medical necessity for PT testing, including diagnosis, indication, or therapeutic monitoring details, impacting reimbursement.

  • Unbundling PT/INR

    Billing separately for PT and INR when they are performed together and included in a single CPT code, resulting in overbilling and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document indication for PT test (ICD-10 code).
  • Specify if patient on anticoagulants (SNOMED CT).
  • Record venipuncture site & technique for accurate CDI.
  • Verify patient demographics & sample labeling for compliance.
  • Review medication list for potential PT interference (RxNorm).

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify INR ordered with PT: ICD-10 R79.89
  • Recent meds: Warfarin, DOACs documented?
  • Liver disease, Vitamin K deficiency noted?
  • Bleeding/clotting hx in record? SNOMED CT 288349002
  • PT result critical? Follow lab alert protocol

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Prothrombin Time Test Reimbursement: CPT 85610, ICD-10 Z01.80, impacts accurate medical billing and coding for optimal hospital revenue cycle management.
  • Coding accuracy for Prothrombin Time (PT) Test impacts timely payer reimbursements and reduces claim denials, improving financial performance.
  • Quality metrics: PT/INR monitoring affects patient safety, especially for those on anticoagulants, influencing hospital quality reporting and value-based care.
  • Prothrombin time reporting accuracy impacts hospital performance on quality measures related to venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and treatment.

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
  • PT/INR code: Verify specific test
  • Prothrombin time test: Use ICD-10 diagnosis
  • Document reason for PT test
  • Consider Z codes for routine PT
  • Check payer guidelines for PT coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for evaluation of coagulation status due to [reason, e.g., anticoagulation therapy monitoring, preoperative assessment, bleeding investigation].  Relevant history includes [list pertinent medical history, e.g., atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, liver disease, medications such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants].  Physical examination reveals [relevant findings, e.g., no active bleeding, no ecchymosis, normal heart rate and rhythm].  A prothrombin time PT test was ordered to assess extrinsic pathway coagulation function.  The prothrombin time result is [result in seconds] with an INR of [INR value].  This result is [interpretation, e.g., within therapeutic range, subtherapeutic, supratherapeutic, normal].  Based on the prothrombin time, INR, and clinical context, the assessment is [assessment, e.g., stable anticoagulation, need for dosage adjustment, no evidence of coagulopathy].  Plan includes [plan, e.g., continue current warfarin dose, increase or decrease warfarin dose, hold warfarin, further investigation with additional coagulation studies such as PTT, mixing studies, or factor assays, consult hematology].  Patient education provided regarding the importance of medication adherence, dietary considerations, and potential bleeding risks.  Follow-up scheduled as needed to monitor prothrombin time and INR.