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ICD-10 Coding for Leukopenia(D72.819, D70.1, D72.818)

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

Also known as:

Low white blood cell countDecreased leukocytes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Leukopenia

D70-D77Primary Range

Other disorders of blood and blood-forming organs

This range includes codes for leukopenia and related conditions such as agranulocytosis and lymphopenia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D72.819Leukopenia, unspecifiedUse when leukopenia is documented but the cause is not specified.
  • WBC <4,000/μL without specified cause
D70.1Agranulocytosis secondary to infectionUse when leukopenia is documented as secondary to an infection.
  • WBC <4,000/μL with documented infection
D72.818Other specified disorders of white blood cellsUse when leukopenia is documented as secondary to drugs or autoimmune disorders.
  • WBC <4,000/μL with documented drug use or autoimmune disorder

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 leukopenia

Essential facts and insights about Leukopenia

The ICD-10 code for unspecified leukopenia is D72.819. Use D70.1 for infection-related leukopenia and D72.818 for drug-induced cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for leukopenia

Leukopenia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Leukopenia documented without a specified cause

Applicable To

  • Unspecified leukopenia

Excludes

  • Leukopenia due to specific causes (e.g., drugs, infections)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • WBC <4,000/μL without specified cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to lower reimbursement if cause is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies leukopenia as a separate condition if not part of another diagnosis like sepsis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Viral infection, unspecified

B34.9
Use to specify the underlying cause if leukopenia is due to a viral infection.

Adverse effect of antineoplastic drugs

T45.1X5A
Use to specify the drug causing leukopenia.

Differential Codes

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

Agranulocytosis secondary to infection

D70.1
Use D70.1 if leukopenia is due to an infection and documented as such.

Leukopenia, unspecified

D72.819
Use D72.819 if no specific cause is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Leukopenia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D72.819.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of documenting the cause., Implement checklists for documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the cause of leukopenia is documented and use the specific code.

Impact

Coding leukopenia as unspecified when a cause is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation of the cause and use the specific code.

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

Documentation Templates for Leukopenia

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

Leukopenia due to chemotherapy

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Patient's WBC count
  • Chemotherapy drug name
  • Temporal relationship between drug administration and leukopenia

Example Documentation

Patient presents with leukopenia (WBC 3.0 x10³/μL) attributed to cisplatin administered on 4/15/25.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low WBC.
Good Documentation Example
WBC 3.0 x10³/μL, leukopenia due to cisplatin administered on 4/15/25.
Explanation
The good example specifies the WBC count and links it to the chemotherapy drug.

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

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