ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Red Blood Cell(D45, D75.1, R71.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Red Blood Cell. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Elevated Red Blood Cell
D45-D47Primary Range
Myeloproliferative diseases
Includes primary polycythemia vera and related disorders.
Other and unspecified diseases of blood and blood-forming organs
Covers secondary polycythemia and other blood disorders.
Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis
Includes unspecified abnormalities of red blood cells.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D45 | Polycythemia vera | Use when polycythemia vera is confirmed by genetic testing and clinical criteria. |
|
| D75.1 | Secondary polycythemia | Use when polycythemia is secondary to another condition like COPD. |
|
| R71.8 | Other specified abnormality of red blood cells | Use when elevated RBCs are noted but no specific cause is identified. |
|
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 red blood cells
Essential facts and insights about Elevated Red Blood Cell
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated red blood cell
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of JAK2 mutation and elevated hemoglobin levels.
Applicable To
- Primary polycythemia
Excludes
- Secondary polycythemia (D75.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- JAK2 V617F mutation
- Hemoglobin >16.5 g/dL (men) or >16.0 g/dL (women)
- Bone marrow biopsy showing panmyelosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding secondary causes as primary polycythemia.
Coding Notes
- Ensure JAK2 mutation and other clinical criteria are documented.
D75.1 - Secondary polycythemia
Use when polycythemia is secondary to another condition like COPD.
Applicable To
- Erythrocytosis due to chronic hypoxia
Excludes
- Polycythemia vera (D45)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythropoietin level >30 mIU/mL
- Chronic hypoxia confirmed by ABG or pulse oximetry
Coding Notes
Document the underlying cause and confirm with lab tests.
R71.8 - Other specified abnormality of red blood cells
Use when elevated RBCs are noted but no specific cause is identified.
Applicable To
- Unspecified erythrocytosis
Excludes
- Polycythemia vera (D45)
- Secondary polycythemia (D75.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Exclusion of primary and secondary causes
- Consistent elevated RBC count without specific diagnosis
Coding Notes
Ensure all other causes are ruled out before using this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Red Blood Cell to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D45.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always investigate and document the underlying cause., Use specific codes for underlying conditions.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation in health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use D45 or D75.1 when specific criteria for these conditions are met.
Impact
Risk of audits due to incorrect differentiation between primary and secondary causes.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement thorough documentation practices and regular coder training.
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 Red Blood Cell, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Elevated Red Blood Cell
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Red Blood Cell. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Polycythemia Vera Diagnosis
Specialty: HematologyRequired Elements
- JAK2 mutation status
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
- Bone marrow biopsy results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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