Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Leukocytosis(D72.829, D72.823)

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

Also known as:

Elevated White Blood Cell CountHigh WBCWhite Blood Cell Count Increasehigh wbc count

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Leukocytosis

D72.82-D72.829Primary Range

Leukocytosis and its subtypes

This range includes codes for unspecified leukocytosis and specific types such as neutrophilic and lymphocytic leukocytosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D72.829Leukocytosis, unspecifiedUse when leukocytosis is documented but the specific type is not identified.
  • WBC count >11,000/µL in adults
  • Exclusion of specific causes such as infection or malignancy
D72.823Leukemoid reactionUse when neutrophilic leukocytosis is confirmed and mimics leukemia.
  • WBC count significantly elevated, often >30,000/µL
  • Peripheral smear showing neutrophilic predominance

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 leukocytosis

Essential facts and insights about Leukocytosis

The ICD-10 code for unspecified leukocytosis is D72.829, while specific types like neutrophilic leukocytosis use D72.823.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for leukocytosis

Leukocytosis, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • WBC count >11,000/µL with no specific type identified

Applicable To

  • Elevated WBC without specified type

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • WBC count >11,000/µL in adults
  • Exclusion of specific causes such as infection or malignancy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific type is known but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if leukocytosis is due to an underlying condition.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fever with leukocytosis

R50.81
Use when fever is present alongside leukocytosis.

Differential Codes

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

Symptomatic lymphocytosis

D72.820
Use when lymphocytosis is confirmed by lab tests.

Chronic myeloid leukemia

C92.1
Presence of Philadelphia chromosome or BCR-ABL1 fusion gene.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis or delayed treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Incorrect billing and potential denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document potential causes or related conditions., Use specific codes when type is identified.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like D72.820 for lymphocytosis when type is known.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified leukocytosis when specific type is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific leukocytosis type when available.

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

Documentation Templates for Leukocytosis

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

Leukocytosis in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • WBC count
  • Differential count
  • Clinical symptoms
  • Potential causes

Example Documentation

Patient presents with leukocytosis (WBC 18,000/µL), neutrophilic predominance. No signs of infection. Plan: Monitor WBC, consider imaging.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated WBC noted.
Good Documentation Example
Leukocytosis (WBC 18,000/µL) with neutrophilic predominance, no infection signs.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and clinical context.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more