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ICD-10 Coding for Hairy Cell Leukemia(C91.4)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hairy Cell Leukemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

HCLLeukemic Reticuloendotheliosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hairy Cell Leukemia

C91-C95Primary Range

Leukemia

This range includes all types of leukemia, with C91.4 specifically for hairy cell leukemia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hairy cell leukemia

Essential facts and insights about Hairy Cell Leukemia

The ICD-10 code for hairy cell leukemia is C91.4, used for confirmed cases meeting specific diagnostic criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of characteristic hairy cells and positive BRAF mutation.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed immunophenotyping results must be documented.

Applicable To

  • Hairy cell leukemia

Excludes

  • Other lymphoid leukemia (C91.Z)
  • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (C83.39)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Morphology: Hairy cells with circumferential cytoplasmic projections
  • Immunophenotype: CD19+, CD20+, CD11c+, CD25+, CD103+, CD123+
  • Molecular: BRAF V600E mutation (if tested)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if immunophenotype or BRAF testing is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure all diagnostic criteria are documented before assigning C91.4.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pancytopenia

D61.818
Use when documenting cytopenias associated with HCL.

Splenomegaly

R16.1
Use when splenomegaly is present in HCL cases.

Differential Codes

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

Other lymphoid leukemia

C91.Z
Use for HCL-variant, especially if CD25-negative or BRAF-negative.

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma

C83.39
Use when splenic involvement is primary and lacks HCL immunophenotype.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hairy Cell Leukemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code C91.4.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify leukemia type in documentation., Include immunophenotyping results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure BRAF mutation testing is documented if performed.

Impact

Risk of audits due to missing immunophenotyping or molecular testing details.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for required documentation elements in HCL cases.

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 Hairy Cell Leukemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hairy Cell Leukemia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hairy Cell Leukemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Diagnosis of Hairy Cell Leukemia

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Morphology description
  • Immunophenotype results
  • Molecular testing results
  • Clinical symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient presents with pancytopenia and splenomegaly. Peripheral smear shows 25% hairy cells. Flow cytometry: CD19+, CD20+, CD11c+, CD25+, CD103+, CD123+. BRAF V600E mutation positive.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Leukemia present.
Good Documentation Example
Hairy cell leukemia confirmed by CD25+/CD103+/BRAF V600E+.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of leukemia and includes necessary immunophenotyping and molecular details.

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