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ICD-10 Coding for Sickle Cell Pain Crisis(D57.00, D57.219, D57.40)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sickle Cell Pain Crisis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Vaso-occlusive crisisSickle cell crisis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sickle Cell Pain Crisis

D57.0-D57.8Primary Range

Sickle-cell disorders

This range includes all sickle-cell disorders, including those with crisis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D57.00Sickle-cell anemia without crisisUse for chronic management without acute crisis.
  • Stable hemoglobin levels
  • No acute pain episodes
D57.219Sickle-cell/Hb-C disease with crisisUse during acute crisis in patients with Hb SC disease.
  • Pain score ≥7/10
  • Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >300 U/L
  • Reticulocytosis >3%
D57.40Sickle-cell thalassemia with crisisUse for crisis in patients with sickle-cell thalassemia.
  • Microcytosis (MCV <80 fL)
  • Hb electrophoresis confirmation

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 sickle cell pain crisis

Essential facts and insights about Sickle Cell Pain Crisis

The ICD-10 code for sickle cell pain crisis is D57.219 for Hb SC disease with crisis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sickle cell pain crisis

Sickle-cell anemia without crisis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient is stable with no acute symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Stable sickle-cell anemia

Excludes

  • Sickle-cell anemia with crisis (D57.00)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Stable hemoglobin levels
  • No acute pain episodes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse during acute crisis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure no crisis symptoms are present.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

J96.01
Use when acute chest syndrome is present.

Differential Codes

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

Sickle-cell/Hb-C disease with crisis

D57.219
Presence of acute pain and crisis symptoms.

Sickle-cell anemia without crisis

D57.00
No acute pain or crisis symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sickle Cell Pain Crisis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D57.00.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement loss

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Verify genotype with electrophoresis before coding.

Impact

High error rate in coding Hb SC vs. Hb SS

Mitigation Strategy

Require genotype confirmation via lab tests

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 Sickle Cell Pain Crisis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sickle Cell Pain Crisis

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

Emergency Department Visit for VOC

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Pain assessment
  • Lab results
  • Imaging findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with severe pain, reticulocytosis, and elevated LDH. Administer IV fluids and analgesics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Sickle cell pain, give fluids.
Good Documentation Example
Acute vaso-occlusive crisis with severe pain, reticulocytosis, and elevated LDH. Administer IV fluids and analgesics.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and a clear treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sickle Cell Pain Crisis? Ask your questions below.

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