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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated White Blood Cell Count(D72.829)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated White Blood Cell Count. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

LeukocytosisHigh White Blood Cell CountHigh WBC Count

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated White Blood Cell Count

D72.8Primary Range

Other specified disorders of white blood cells

This range includes codes for various types of leukocytosis, including unspecified and specific types like lymphocytosis and monocytosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for elevated white blood cell count

Essential facts and insights about Elevated White Blood Cell Count

The ICD-10 code for unspecified elevated white blood cell count is D72.829. Use specific codes if the type of leukocytosis is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for elevated white blood count

Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • WBC count exceeds 11,000 cells/µL without specific leukocyte predominance.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified leukocytosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • WBC >11,000 cells/µL
  • No specific leukocyte predominance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific leukocyte type is documented but not coded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of leukocytosis if known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Leukemoid reaction

D72.823
Use when leukemoid reaction is documented, characterized by very high WBC count.

Differential Codes

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

Lymphocytosis (symptomatic)

D72.820
Use when lymphocyte count is elevated and specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated White Blood Cell Count to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D72.829.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough clinical evaluation and documentation., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like D72.820 for lymphocytosis.

Impact

Failure to sequence underlying conditions before leukocytosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules.

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 White Blood Cell Count, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated White Blood Cell Count

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

Hematology Consultation for Unspecified Leukocytosis

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • WBC count and differential
  • Potential causes
  • Plan for further investigation

Example Documentation

ASSESSMENT: Leukocytosis of unknown etiology (D72.829) with WBC: 19,300. PLAN: Bone marrow biopsy, repeat CBC.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated WBC noted.
Good Documentation Example
Leukocytosis of 23,000 cells/µL with absolute neutrophilia (18,500) and 12% bands, persistent for 72 hours post-admission.
Explanation
The good example provides specific WBC values, differential counts, and temporal context.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated White Blood Cell Count? Ask your questions below.

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