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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated White Blood Cells(D72.829)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated White Blood Cells. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

LeukocytosisHigh WBCIncreased White Blood Cell Count

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated White Blood Cells

D72.8-D72.9Primary Range

Other specified and unspecified disorders of white blood cells

This range includes codes for various disorders of white blood cells, including unspecified elevated WBC.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for elevated white blood cells

Essential facts and insights about Elevated White Blood Cells

D72.829 is used for unspecified elevated white blood cell count when no specific cause or cell line predominance is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for elevated white blood cells

Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • WBC count elevated without specific cell line predominance

coding Criteria

  • Underlying condition not identified

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific cause in medical records

Applicable To

  • Unspecified leukocytosis

Excludes

  • Leukocytosis due to specific causes (e.g., infection, inflammation)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • WBC count >11,000 cells/mcL without specific cell line predominance
  • CBC with differential showing no dominant cell type

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using when a specific cause is documented
  • Incorrect sequencing with primary conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation excludes specific causes before using D72.829.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use when fever is present alongside elevated WBC.

Differential Codes

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

Neutrophilia

D72.810
Use when neutrophils are >70% of total WBC.

Lymphocytosis

D72.820
Use when lymphocytes are >40% of total WBC.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated 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 inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed lab results are included., Document any ruled-out conditions.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and code the specific cause first, such as an infection or inflammatory condition.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.

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 White Blood Cells, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated White Blood Cells

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

Primary Care Evaluation

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • CBC results
  • Differential diagnosis
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and elevated WBC of 14,300 cells/mcL. Differential shows no predominant cell type. Plan to repeat CBC in 72 hours.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High WBC noted.
Good Documentation Example
WBC 16,200 cells/μL (ref: 4,500-11,000), no left shift or atypical lymphocytes noted.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and excludes specific causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated White Blood Cells? Ask your questions below.

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