Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Decreased White Blood Cells(D72.819, D70.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Decreased White Blood Cells. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

LeukopeniaLow White Blood Cell Count

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased White Blood Cells

D70-D72Primary Range

Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs involving white blood cells

This range includes conditions related to abnormal white blood cell counts, including leukopenia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D72.819Decreased white blood cell count, unspecifiedUse when leukopenia is identified but the specific cause is not documented.
  • WBC <4,000 cells/μL on at least two separate tests
D70.1Agranulocytosis secondary to infectionUse when leukopenia is confirmed to be due to an infection.
  • ANC <1,800 cells/μL with positive infection markers

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 decreased white blood cells

Essential facts and insights about Decreased White Blood Cells

The ICD-10 code for unspecified decreased white blood cells is D72.819. Use specific codes like D70.1 for infection-induced leukopenia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased white blood cells

Decreased white blood cell count, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • WBC count below normal range without identified cause

Applicable To

  • Unspecified leukopenia

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • WBC <4,000 cells/μL on at least two separate tests

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using this code when a more specific cause is known can lead to claim denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of a known cause to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Lymphocytopenia

D72.810
Use when lymphocyte count is specifically decreased.

Differential Codes

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

Agranulocytosis secondary to infection

D70.1
Use when leukopenia is due to an infection, confirmed by lab tests.

Decreased white blood cell count, unspecified

D72.819
Use D72.819 when no specific cause is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased White Blood Cells to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D72.819.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include recent lab results in clinical notes., Review documentation before submission.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and document the specific cause to use a more precise code.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific causes are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Thoroughly document the cause of leukopenia and select the appropriate specific code.

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 Decreased White Blood Cells, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased White Blood Cells

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Decreased White Blood Cells. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Oncology patient with leukopenia

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • Lab results
  • Medication history
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue. WBC 2.4K/uL, ANC 1.2K/uL. Recent chemotherapy with carboplatin. Assessment: Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Plan: Hold chemo, start filgrastim.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low WBC.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has leukopenia (WBC 2.4K/uL) after carboplatin treatment.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and provides lab values.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Decreased White Blood Cells? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more