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ICD-10 Coding for Sickle Cell Crisis(D57.00, D57.211)

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

Also known as:

Vaso-occlusive CrisisSickle Cell Pain Crisis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sickle Cell Crisis

D57.0-D57.9Primary Range

Sickle-cell disorders

This range includes all sickle-cell disorders, with specific codes for crisis and non-crisis states.

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 with crisis, unspecifiedUse when a sickle-cell crisis is documented but not specified as acute chest syndrome or splenic sequestration.
  • Pain in extremities
  • Elevated reticulocyte count
  • Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
D57.211Sickle-cell anemia with acute chest syndromeUse when acute chest syndrome is documented during a sickle-cell crisis.
  • Hypoxemia
  • Pulmonary infiltrates on chest X-ray

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 crisis

Essential facts and insights about Sickle Cell Crisis

The ICD-10 code for sickle cell crisis is D57.00 for unspecified crisis. Specific types like acute chest syndrome use D57.211.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sickle cell crisis

Sickle-cell anemia with crisis, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific symptoms and lab results indicating a crisis.

Applicable To

  • Vaso-occlusive crisis

Excludes

  • Sickle-cell trait (D57.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain in extremities
  • Elevated reticulocyte count
  • Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if crisis type is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure crisis is documented; otherwise, use D57.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Localized pain in other parts of lower abdomen

R10.8
Use to specify pain location during a crisis.

Pneumonia, unspecified organism

J18.9
Use if pneumonia is confirmed alongside acute chest syndrome.

Differential Codes

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

Sickle-cell disease without crisis

D57.1
Use when no crisis is present or documented.

Pneumonia, unspecified organism

J18.9
Use when pneumonia is confirmed, not just suspected.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sickle Cell 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: Misrepresentation of patient status., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly update patient status, Document resolution in discharge notes

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm crisis status with the provider and use D57.00 or D57.211 as appropriate.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of crisis specifics can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of crisis type and symptoms.

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

Documentation Templates for Sickle Cell Crisis

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

Emergency Department Visit for Sickle Cell Crisis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Pain assessment
  • Vital signs
  • Laboratory results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 9/10 pain in lower extremities, elevated reticulocytes, and LDH. Plan includes IV fluids and pain management.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient in pain, treat with fluids.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with vaso-occlusive crisis, 9/10 pain in legs, reticulocyte count 8.5%, LDH 450 U/L. Plan: IV fluids, morphine.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and a clear treatment plan.

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

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