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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit(D45, D75.1, R71.8)

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

Also known as:

PolycythemiaHigh HGBHigh HCTerythrocytosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

D45-D47Primary Range

Myeloproliferative diseases

Includes primary polycythemia vera and related disorders.

Other and unspecified diseases of blood and blood-forming organs

Covers secondary polycythemia and other related conditions.

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

Includes unspecified abnormal findings such as elevated HGB/HCT without a confirmed diagnosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D45Polycythemia veraUse when polycythemia vera is confirmed by clinical and laboratory findings.
  • JAK2 mutation positive
  • Low serum erythropoietin levels
  • Splenomegaly
D75.1Secondary polycythemiaUse when polycythemia is secondary to another condition like COPD.
  • Elevated erythropoietin levels
  • Chronic hypoxia evidence
R71.8Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistryUse as a temporary code until a specific diagnosis is confirmed.
  • Initial elevated HGB/HCT without confirmed diagnosis

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 elevated hemoglobin

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

The ICD-10 code for elevated hemoglobin, when unspecified, is R71.8. For specific conditions like polycythemia vera, use D45.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated physician's initials

Polycythemia vera
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • JAK2 mutation positive and low EPO levels.

Applicable To

  • Primary polycythemia

Excludes

  • Secondary polycythemia (D75.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • JAK2 mutation positive
  • Low serum erythropoietin levels
  • Splenomegaly

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if JAK2 mutation is not confirmed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure JAK2 testing is documented to support diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use to document comorbid hypertension.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified

J44.9
Use to document COPD as a cause of secondary polycythemia.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary polycythemia

D75.1
Elevated erythropoietin levels and presence of a secondary cause such as chronic hypoxia.

Polycythemia vera

D45
JAK2 mutation positive and low EPO levels.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D45.

Impact

Clinical: Mismanagement of underlying condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough clinical evaluation, Document all relevant findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting patient records and care.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure follow-up testing to confirm specific diagnosis.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation supporting diagnosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure complete documentation of JAK2 mutation and EPO levels.

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 Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

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

Polycythemia vera diagnosis

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Laboratory findings
  • JAK2 mutation status
  • EPO levels

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and headache. Laboratory tests show HGB 18.2 g/dL, JAK2 V617F mutation positive, low EPO levels. Diagnosis: Polycythemia vera (D45).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High hemoglobin noted.
Good Documentation Example
HGB 18.2 g/dL with JAK2 mutation positive, low EPO levels. Diagnosis: Polycythemia vera.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic criteria supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit? Ask your questions below.

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