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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Bilirubin(R17, E80.6, K71.89, P58.0)

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

Also known as:

HyperbilirubinemiaJaundice

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Bilirubin

R17Primary Range

Unspecified jaundice

Used when jaundice is present without a confirmed etiology.

Hereditary bilirubin metabolism disorders

Applicable for conditions like Gilbert syndrome with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Toxic liver disease with hyperbilirubinemia

Used when liver dysfunction is due to toxin exposure.

Hemolytic disease of newborn due to isoimmunization

Used for neonatal jaundice due to blood group incompatibility.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R17Unspecified jaundiceUse when jaundice is observed but the cause is not determined.
  • Presence of jaundice without a specific cause
E80.6Hereditary bilirubin metabolism disordersUse when hereditary disorders like Gilbert syndrome are diagnosed.
  • Unconjugated bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL with normal liver function tests
K71.89Toxic liver disease with hyperbilirubinemiaUse when liver dysfunction is confirmed to be due to toxin exposure.
  • Elevated liver enzymes with documented toxin exposure
P58.0Neonatal jaundice due to isoimmunizationUse for neonatal jaundice confirmed to be due to blood group incompatibility.
  • Positive Coombs test with rising bilirubin levels

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 elevated bilirubin

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Bilirubin

The ICD-10 code for unspecified jaundice is R17. For specific causes, consider codes like E80.6 or K71.89.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated bilirubin

Unspecified jaundice
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Jaundice present without specific diagnosis

Applicable To

  • Jaundice NOS

Excludes

  • Neonatal jaundice (P59.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of jaundice without a specific cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to undercoding if the underlying cause is not investigated.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document any potential underlying causes for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

T36-T50
Use to specify the toxin causing liver disease.

Encounter for suspected maternal and fetal conditions ruled out

Z03.7
Use to document Rh/ABO testing.

Differential Codes

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

Other disorders of bilirubin metabolism

E80.7
Used when specific bilirubin metabolism disorders are identified.

Unspecified jaundice

R17
Use R17 if hereditary disorder is not confirmed.

Acute and subacute hepatic failure

K72.0
Use K72.0 if liver failure is present.

Neonatal jaundice, unspecified

P59.9
Use P59.9 if specific cause is not identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Bilirubin to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R17.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough clinical evaluation and documentation., Use specific codes when the cause is known.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to non-specific coding., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R17 with underlying cause if known.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of reimbursement for specific neonatal conditions., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces specificity in neonatal care data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use P58.0 with specific cause if identified.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific coding of jaundice.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific ICD-10 codes.

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 Elevated Bilirubin, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Bilirubin

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

Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Bilirubin levels
  • Coombs test results
  • Blood type compatibility

Example Documentation

**Assessment:** 24-hour-old male, vaginal delivery at 38w GA. Transcutaneous bilirubin 10.2 mg/dL at 18h life (95th percentile). Blood type: Mother O+, Infant A+ (ABO incompatibility). Direct Coombs positive. **Plan:** Initiate intensive phototherapy (CPT 99183). Monitor TSB q4h until < risk threshold. **Diagnosis:** P58.0 (Hemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility), R17 (Neonatal jaundice).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Jaundice in newborn.
Good Documentation Example
Neonatal jaundice due to ABO incompatibility, Coombs positive.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and includes relevant test results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Bilirubin? Ask your questions below.

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