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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD57.44

D57.44

Billable

Sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus without crisis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 D57.44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus without crisis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the presence of both sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia traits. Patients with this condition have a combination of abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) and reduced production of beta-globin chains, leading to a mixed phenotype of sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Unlike sickle cell disease, which can present with painful crises due to vaso-occlusive events, patients with sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus may not experience these crises frequently or at all. The condition can lead to chronic hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and jaundice. Genetic factors play a crucial role, as this condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Diagnosis typically involves hemoglobin electrophoresis to identify the types of hemoglobin present and genetic testing to confirm the presence of mutations in the HBB gene. Management focuses on monitoring hemoglobin levels, managing anemia, and preventing complications, with transfusions or hydroxyurea therapy considered in more severe cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of both sickle cell disease and thalassemia pathology.
  • Differentiation from other hemolytic anemias.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and genetic testing.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of genetic testing results.
  • Failure to specify the absence of crisis.
  • Misclassification of the condition as pure sickle cell disease.
  • Lack of detailed clinical notes on hemolytic anemia symptoms.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, genetic testing, and clinical notes on anemia symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of chronic anemia, monitoring for complications, and patient education.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the absence of crisis to avoid misclassification.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic test results and family history of hemoglobinopathies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Counseling patients on inheritance patterns and implications for family members.

Billing Considerations

Accurate recording of genetic mutations is crucial for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D57.44 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for hemolytic anemias and thalassemias
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis, particularly the absence of crisis
  • Use additional codes for any related complications or symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D57.44 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to monitor hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC and any relevant symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Hematologists should ensure that CBC results are linked to the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hemoglobinopathies, including sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hemoglobinopathies, including sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hemoglobinopathies, including sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC - Sickle Cell Disease
  • •
    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Thalassemia

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC - Sickle Cell Disease
  • •
    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Thalassemia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus and sickle-cell disease?

Sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus involves a combination of sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia traits, leading to chronic hemolytic anemia without frequent crises, while sickle-cell disease typically presents with recurrent painful crises.

How is sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through hemoglobin electrophoresis and genetic testing to identify the presence of hemoglobin S and mutations in the HBB gene.