ICD-10 Coding for Low White Blood Cells(D70.1, D72.818)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Low White Blood Cells. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Low White Blood Cells
D70-D77Primary Range
Other disorders of blood and blood-forming organs
This range includes codes for leukopenia and related conditions affecting white blood cell counts.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D70.1 | Agranulocytosis secondary to infection | Use when leukopenia is directly caused by an infectious process. |
|
| D72.818 | Other specified disorders of white blood cells | Use when leukopenia is due to a specific drug or toxin. |
|
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 low white blood cells
Essential facts and insights about Low White Blood Cells
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low white blood cells
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed infection with leukopenia
Applicable To
- Neutropenia due to infection
Excludes
- Congenital neutropenia (D70.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- WBC <4,000/μL
- Presence of infection confirmed by culture
Code-Specific Risks
- Misidentifying the cause of leukopenia can lead to incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the infectious cause of leukopenia.
D72.818 - Other specified disorders of white blood cells
Use when leukopenia is due to a specific drug or toxin.
Applicable To
- Drug-induced leukopenia
Excludes
- Leukopenia NOS (D72.819)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- WBC decline ≥30% from baseline post-drug initiation
Coding Notes
Ensure linkage between drug administration and leukopenia onset is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low White Blood Cells to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D70.1.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms and include lab results, Link leukopenia to underlying cause
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific causes are documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on importance of documenting specific causes.
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 Low White Blood Cells, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Low White Blood Cells
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Low White Blood Cells. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Chemotherapy regimen
- WBC count
- Symptoms of infection
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Low White Blood Cells? Ask your questions below.