D55-D59
Medium Complexity
Hemolytic anemias
Primary Specialty: Hematology
Last Updated: 2025-09-09
ICD-10 Codes (87)
87 billable0 category headers
D56Billable
D56.0Billable
D56.1Billable
D56.2Billable
D56.3Billable
D56.4Billable
D56.5Billable
D56.8Billable
D56.9Billable
D57Billable
D57.0Billable
D57.00Billable
D57.01Billable
D57.02Billable
D57.03Billable
D57.04Billable
D57.09Billable
D57.1Billable
D57.2Billable
D57.20Billable
D57.21Billable
D57.211Billable
D57.212Billable
D57.213Billable
D57.214Billable
D57.218Billable
D57.219Billable
D57.3Billable
D57.4Billable
D57.40Billable
D57.41Billable
D57.411Billable
D57.412Billable
D57.413Billable
D57.414Billable
D57.418Billable
D57.419Billable
D57.42Billable
D57.43Billable
D57.431Billable
D57.432Billable
D57.433Billable
D57.434Billable
D57.438Billable
D57.439Billable
D57.44Billable
D57.45Billable
D57.451Billable
D57.452Billable
D57.453Billable
D57.454Billable
D57.458Billable
D57.459Billable
D57.8Billable
D57.80Billable
D57.81Billable
D57.811Billable
D57.812Billable
D57.813Billable
D57.814Billable
D57.818Billable
D57.819Billable
D58Billable
D58.0Billable
D58.1Billable
D58.2Billable
D58.8Billable
D58.9Billable
D59Billable
D59.0Billable
D59.1Billable
D59.10Billable
D59.11Billable
D59.12Billable
D59.13Billable
D59.19Billable
D59.2Billable
D59.3Billable
D59.30Billable
D59.31Billable
D59.32Billable
D59.39Billable
D59.4Billable
D59.5Billable
D59.6Billable
D59.8Billable
D59.9Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for D55-D59 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range D55-D59 represents Hemolytic anemias, a group of disorders characterized by premature destruction of red blood cells. These codes are used to document various types of hemolytic anemias, including hereditary spherocytosis, sickle-cell disorders, thalassemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The codes also account for autoimmune hemolytic anemias and other acquired hemolytic anemias.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions.
- •For drug-induced hemolytic anemia, use additional code for adverse effect, if applicable.
- •When coding sickle-cell disorders, use additional code to identify any crisis.
- •For hereditary hemolytic anemias, the hereditary condition should be sequenced first.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with any type of hemolytic anemia.
- ✓When a patient with sickle-cell disease experiences a crisis.
- ✓When a patient has a hereditary hemolytic anemia.
- ✓When a patient has drug-induced hemolytic anemia.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has anemia not specified as hemolytic.
- ✗When a patient has anemia due to chemotherapy.
- ✗When a patient has iron deficiency anemia.
- ✗When a patient has anemia of chronic disease.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10-CM manual before assigning a code.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for hemolytic anemias should include the specific type of anemia, the cause if known, and any associated conditions. It should also include the severity of the anemia and any complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of hemolytic anemia
- •Cause of the anemia, if known
- •Severity of the anemia
- •Any associated conditions
- •Any complications
Supporting Evidence:
- •Laboratory test results
- •Clinical notes
- •Radiology reports
- •Pathology reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia due to lupus. Hemoglobin level is 7.2 g/dL.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has anemia.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of hemolytic anemia
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of the anemia
- ⚠Not documenting the severity of the anemia
- ⚠Not documenting any associated conditions
Range Statistics
5
Total Codes
87
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:3
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
The complexity of coding hemolytic anemias lies in the need to accurately identify the specific type of anemia, the cause if known, and any associated conditions or complications. This requires a thorough understanding of the condition and careful review of the medical documentation.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of hemolytic anemia
- ▸Identifying the cause of the anemia
- ▸Coding any associated conditions
- ▸Coding any complications
Specialty Focus
Hemolytic anemias are most commonly encountered in hematology, but can also be relevant in pediatrics, internal medicine, and family practice.
Primary Specialties:
Hematology
60%
Pediatrics
20%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with sickle-cell disease presenting with vaso-occlusive crisis.
- • A patient with hereditary spherocytosis experiencing hemolytic crisis.
- • A patient with G6PD deficiency after exposure to fava beans.
- • A patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia secondary to lupus.
Resources & References
Resources for coding hemolytic anemias include the ICD-10-CM manual, official coding guidelines, and clinical references.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Guidelines
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Coding Guidelines
Clinical References:
- American Society of Hematology
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10-CM Coding Workbook
- AAPC ICD-10-CM Training Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a patient with sickle-cell disease and vaso-occlusive crisis?
You would use a code from the D57.0-D57.2 range for the sickle-cell disease, and an additional code from the D57.40-D57.42 range for the vaso-occlusive crisis.