What is the use of the "R" codes in ICD-10-CM?

The "R" codes in ICD-10-CM are specifically designated for signs and symptoms. These codes are used when a patient presents with a condition that does not yet have a definitive diagnosis but displays observable signs or reported symptoms. For instance, codes within the range of R00-R99 allow healthcare providers to document various clinical findings like pain, abnormal results from laboratory tests, or other symptoms that necessitate further investigation.

Using "R" codes is particularly valuable as it enables healthcare providers to record essential information about the patient's current status, which can assist in diagnosis and treatment planning. This approach supports comprehensive patient care and ensures that symptoms are documented in the medical record, which may also guide future diagnostic efforts or interventions.

The other options relate to different categories in ICD-10-CM. Surgical procedures are categorized under a different set of codes, external causes of morbidity use a specific range, and neoplasms are classified separately as well. Thus, identifying "R" codes as symptom and sign representations accurately aligns with the coding practices outlined in ICD-10-CM.