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ICD-10 Coding for Hemolytic Anemia(D59.11, D59.12)

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

Also known as:

Autoimmune Hemolytic AnemiaWarm Antibody Hemolytic AnemiaCold Agglutinin Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hemolytic Anemia

D59.0-D59.9Primary Range

Acquired hemolytic anemias

This range includes various types of hemolytic anemias, including autoimmune and drug-induced types.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D59.11Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemiaUse when there is evidence of IgG antibodies active at 37°C.
  • Positive DAT for IgG
  • Hemoglobin <10 g/dL
  • Reticulocytosis >3%
D59.12Cold agglutinin diseaseUse when IgM antibodies are reactive below 10°C.
  • Positive cold agglutinin titer
  • Symptoms exacerbated by cold exposure

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 warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Essential facts and insights about Hemolytic Anemia

The ICD-10 code for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia is D59.11, used when IgG antibodies are active at 37°C.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hemolytic anemia

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive DAT for IgG without C3d

Applicable To

  • IgG-mediated hemolysis

Excludes

  • Cold agglutinin disease (D59.12)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive DAT for IgG
  • Hemoglobin <10 g/dL
  • Reticulocytosis >3%

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if antibody type is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure antibody type and temperature sensitivity are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Iron deficiency anemia

D50.9
Use if concurrent iron deficiency is documented.

Acrocyanosis

R23.0
Use if acrocyanosis is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Cold agglutinin disease

D59.12
Presence of IgM antibodies reactive below 10°C.

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia

D59.11
Presence of IgG antibodies active at 37°C.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hemolytic Anemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D59.11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on documentation requirements., Use templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm and document the specific type of hemolytic anemia.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of antibody type and temperature sensitivity.

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 Hemolytic Anemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hemolytic Anemia

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

Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Positive DAT for IgG
  • Hemoglobin level
  • Reticulocyte count
  • Peripheral smear findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and jaundice. Hemoglobin is 6.8 g/dL. DAT positive for IgG. Peripheral smear shows spherocytes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anemia present. Will transfuse.
Good Documentation Example
68F with fatigue, jaundice, and hemoglobin 6.8 g/dL. DAT positive for IgG (3+). Peripheral smear shows spherocytes. Diagnosed warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia secondary to CLL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and a clear diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hemolytic Anemia? Ask your questions below.

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