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ICD-10 Coding for Beta Thalassemia(D56.1, D57.4)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Beta Thalassemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

B ThalassemiaThalassemia MajorThalassemia IntermediaThalassemia Minor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Beta Thalassemia

D56-D56.9Primary Range

Thalassemia

This range includes all types of thalassemia, with D56.1 specifically for beta thalassemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D56.1Beta thalassemiaUse for confirmed cases of beta thalassemia with genetic and clinical validation.
  • Hb electrophoresis showing HbA2 >3.5% and HbF elevated
  • DNA analysis confirming HBB gene mutations
D57.4Sickle-cell thalassemiaUse when both sickle-cell and beta thalassemia mutations are present.
  • Presence of HbS and beta thalassemia mutation.

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for beta thalassemia

Essential facts and insights about Beta Thalassemia

The ICD-10 code for beta thalassemia is D56.1, covering major and intermedia types.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for brother thalassemia

Beta thalassemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of microcytic anemia with elevated HbA2 and HbF levels.

documentation Criteria

  • Genetic test results confirming HBB mutations.

Applicable To

  • Beta thalassemia major
  • Beta thalassemia intermedia

Excludes

  • Sickle-cell thalassemia (D57.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Hb electrophoresis showing HbA2 >3.5% and HbF elevated
  • DNA analysis confirming HBB gene mutations

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with D57.4 when sickle-cell thalassemia is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure genetic confirmation is documented to support the use of D56.1.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Hemochromatosis due to repeated transfusions

E83.11
Use when iron overload is present due to transfusions.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Thalassemia minor

D56.3
Used for asymptomatic carriers with normal Hb levels and no transfusion dependency.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Beta Thalassemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D56.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Denial of claims for lack of documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for genetic test results., Regular audits of documentation practices.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific type of thalassemia is documented and use the appropriate code.

Impact

Lack of genetic test documentation for beta thalassemia claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory documentation checks before claim submission.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Beta Thalassemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Beta Thalassemia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Beta Thalassemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Beta Thalassemia Major Diagnosis

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Type of thalassemia
  • Genetic test results
  • Clinical findings

Example Documentation

Diagnosis: β-thalassemia major confirmed by HBB gene sequencing.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diagnosis: Thalassemia.
Good Documentation Example
Diagnosis: β-thalassemia major confirmed by HBB gene sequencing (IVS-I-110 mutation).
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and provides genetic confirmation.

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