Elevated Lactic Acid ICD-10-CM Codes

Read this short guide and learn about elevated lactic acid ICD codes you can use. Explore clinical and billing information here.

By Ericka Pingol on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

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What elevated lactic acid ICD codes can I use?

Here are the some elevated lactic acid ICD codes you can use:

R74.02 - Elevation of levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase [LDH]: This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have elevated levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase in their body. This is the ICD-10 code that is most specific to what you're looking for.
R74.0 - Nonspecific elevation of levels of transaminase and lactic acid dehydrogenase [LDH]: This ICD-10 code is used when both transaminase and LDH levels are elevated, but the elevation is nonspecific and not clearly linked to a particular condition.
R74.8 - Abnormal levels of other serum enzymes: This ICD-10 code is used when there are abnormal levels of serum enzymes other than transaminase or LDH, and a more specific code is not available.
R89.8 - Other abnormal findings in specimens from other organs, systems, and tissues: This ICD-10 code is meant to be used if healthcare professionals find specific abnormalities in patients/specimens, especially in specific organs, systems, and/or tissues. Elevated levels of lactic acid can count as an abnormality so that you may use this, but it's best to use Item 1.

Note that neither ICD-10 codes count as a principal diagnosis. Elevated lactic acid levels are caused by something else, so the principal diagnosis should be for what's causing lactic acid levels to rise.

Are these elevated lactic acid ICD codes billable?

All are billable except R74.0. Even if they don't count as principal diagnoses, these elevated lactic acid-related ICD codes are valid and billable.

Clinical information about elevated lactic acid

Elevated lactic acid, medically referred to as lactic acidosis, occurs when the level of lactic acid in the bloodstream increases beyond normal ranges. It is often identified alongside abnormal serum enzyme levels, abnormal clinical or laboratory findings, and may be associated with nutritional mineral deficiency or impaired glucose tolerance.
It's typically a condition after hypoxia or drug use, often linked to severe illness, human immunodeficiency virus, or physical exertion. Elevated lactic acid may also co-occur with abnormal tumor markers and findings from blood chemistry or assessments of white blood cells.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. These symptoms may be present alongside inconclusive laboratory evidence or alterations in red blood cells, white blood cells, or cell-mediated immunity measurement results.
Diagnosis is generally confirmed through blood tests, which measure lactic acid levels and may include tests for gamma interferon antigen response and other specified abnormal findings relevant to systemic function.
Treatment primarily focuses on reversing the underlying cause to decrease lactic acid production and enhance its removal from the body.
Untreated lactic acidosis could lead to severe health complications, including kidney failure, respiratory failure, and, ultimately, shock or death.
Preventive steps include staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and prompt medical attention to underlying health conditions, especially those flagged by abnormal clinical or laboratory findings.

Synonyms include:

Elevated levels of transaminase and lactic acid dehydrogenase
Increased lactic acid level
Elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH)
Abnormal serum enzyme levels
High LDH and transaminase readings
Lactic acidosis
Elevated LDH in blood chemistry

Commonly asked questions

No, while codes like R74.02, R74.0, and R74.8 are commonly used, additional codes may apply depending on the underlying cause, such as sepsis, metabolic disorders, or drug toxicity. Always code the underlying condition when known and relevant.

High levels of lactic acid can lead to lactic acidosis, which may cause nausea, weakness, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, organ failure or death. It often signals an underlying issue such as hypoxia, infection, or metabolic dysfunction.

Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause—this may include oxygen therapy, IV fluids, discontinuing offending medications, or managing infections. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing complications.

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