ICD-10 Coding for Neutropenic Fever(D70.1, D70.9, R50.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Neutropenic Fever. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Neutropenic Fever
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 antineoplastic chemotherapy | Use when neutropenia is due to chemotherapy and accompanied by fever. |
|
| D70.9 | Neutropenia, unspecified | Use when the cause of neutropenia is not specified. |
|
| R50.81 | Fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere | Use when fever is present with neutropenia. |
|
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 neutropenic fever
Essential facts and insights about Neutropenic Fever
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neutropenic fever
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- ANC <500/mm³ and fever present
documentation Criteria
- Chemotherapy documented as cause
Applicable To
- Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia with fever
Excludes
- Pancytopenia (D61.818)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ANC <500/mm³
- Temperature ≥38.3°C
- Chemotherapy history
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding without chemotherapy documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure chemotherapy is documented as the cause of neutropenia.
D70.9 - Neutropenia, unspecified
Use when the cause of neutropenia is not specified.
Applicable To
- Neutropenia with unspecified cause
Excludes
- Agranulocytosis (D70.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ANC <500/mm³
- Fever ≥38.3°C
Coding Notes
Ensure no specific cause is documented before using.
R50.81 - Fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere
Use when fever is present with neutropenia.
Applicable To
- Fever with neutropenia
Excludes
- Drug-induced fever (R50.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Temperature ≥38.3°C
Coding Notes
Ensure fever is documented with neutropenia.
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 Neutropenic Fever to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D70.1.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis of neutropenic fever., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use EHR templates with required fields, Regular training on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Only code R50.2 if explicitly documented as drug-induced.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be rejected due to Excludes1 note., Compliance: Violation of ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient condition.
Mitigation Strategy
Use D70.1 with D64.81 and D69.59 instead.
Impact
Lack of chemotherapy documentation can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory documentation fields in EHR.
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 Neutropenic Fever, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Neutropenic Fever
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Neutropenic Fever. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Febrile neutropenia post-chemotherapy
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- ANC levels
- Temperature readings
- Chemotherapy details
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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