ICD-10 Coding for High White Blood Cells(D72.829, D72.820)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for High White Blood Cells. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to High White Blood Cells
D72.82Primary Range
Other specified disorders of white blood cells
This range includes codes for various types of leukocytosis, including unspecified and specific subtypes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D72.829 | Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified | Use when elevated WBC is noted without a specific cause documented. |
|
| D72.820 | Lymphocytosis (symptomatic) | Use when lymphocytosis is symptomatic and documented. |
|
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 high white blood cells
Essential facts and insights about High White Blood Cells
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for high white blood cells
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- WBC count above 11,000/mm³ with no specific cause identified.
Applicable To
- Unspecified leukocytosis
Excludes
- Leukemia (C91-C95)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- WBC >11,000/mm³ with no documented etiology
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-coding if specific cause is documented but not coded.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies if leukocytosis is reactive or due to a specific condition.
D72.820 - Lymphocytosis (symptomatic)
Use when lymphocytosis is symptomatic and documented.
Applicable To
- Symptomatic lymphocytosis
Excludes
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (C91.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Absolute lymphocyte count >4,000/mm³ with symptoms
Coding Notes
Ensure symptoms are documented to support the use of this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Fever, unspecified
R50.9Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting High White Blood Cells to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D72.829.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the suspected or confirmed cause of leukocytosis., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Code the specific condition causing leukocytosis first, then use D72.829 if needed.
Impact
Frequent use of unspecified codes without proper documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement regular audits and provider education.
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 High White Blood Cells, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for High White Blood Cells
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for High White Blood Cells. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Infection-related leukocytosis
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- WBC count
- Documented infection
- Link between infection and leukocytosis
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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