AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2004 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 AND 2 NEW/REVISED DIAGNOSIS CODES
Elevated C-Reactive Protein
Effective October 1, 2004, a new code (790.95) has been created to describe findings of elevated C–reactive protein (CRP) on blood examination. C-reactive protein is a high sensitivity assay for CRP, which is a marker for systemic inflammation. This diagnostic test measures the concentration of a protein in serum. The body releases CRP in response to acute injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. Inflammation of the lining of an artery wall has been identified as a risk factor for plaque rupture and artery occlusion, which may lead to acute myocardial infarction and stroke. 790 Nonspecific...
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Article Overview
This brief coding update explains a diagnosis code change related to elevated C-reactive protein findings on blood examination. It is relevant to coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who work with laboratory-related diagnosis reporting and need to understand the scope of the update and its broader clinical context.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of laboratory-related findings affects diagnosis coding, claim support, and data consistency. This update helps readers recognize the coding change and the general clinical setting in which the finding may be documented.
What You Will Learn
- What clinical finding the article update addresses
- How the article situates the finding within blood examination reporting
- Why the laboratory marker is clinically relevant in broad terms
- What effective date is associated with the coding update
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Healthcare compliance staff
Codes Discussed
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