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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD72.829

D72.829

Billable

Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D72.829 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of elevated white blood cell count, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Elevated white blood cell count, or leukocytosis, is a condition characterized by an increase in the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the bloodstream. This elevation can be a response to various physiological and pathological conditions, including infections, inflammation, stress, and hematological disorders. Neutrophilia, a specific type of leukocytosis, often occurs in response to acute infections or inflammatory processes. Conversely, neutropenia, which is a decrease in neutrophils, can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and is often seen in conditions such as bone marrow disorders or autoimmune diseases. White blood cell disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the production and function of WBCs, including leukemias and lymphomas. Spleen disorders, such as splenomegaly or hypersplenism, can also impact WBC counts by sequestering blood cells. Immunodeficiencies, whether congenital or acquired, can lead to abnormal WBC counts and affect the body’s ability to respond to infections. Accurate diagnosis and coding of elevated WBC counts require careful consideration of the underlying causes and associated clinical conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes for elevated WBC counts
  • Differentiation between types of leukocytosis (e.g., neutrophilia vs. lymphocytosis)
  • Potential overlap with other hematological disorders
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation to support diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of elevated WBC count
  • Failure to specify the type of leukocytosis
  • Misinterpretation of lab results leading to incorrect coding
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different specialties

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, patient history, and clinical findings related to blood disorders.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained leukocytosis, evaluation of blood disorders, and monitoring of treatment responses.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab tests and clinical evaluations are documented to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, physical examination findings, and any relevant diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine blood tests revealing elevated WBC counts, follow-up on infections, and management of chronic conditions.

Billing Considerations

Document the clinical context and any associated symptoms to justify the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D72.829 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D72
  • 829 should be used when the specific cause of elevated WBC count is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D72.829 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with automated differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate elevated WBC counts in patients presenting with symptoms of infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC and any relevant clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Hematologists may require additional tests based on initial CBC results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of elevated WBC counts, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and more precise billing. D72.829 provides a broad category for elevated counts when the specific cause is not identified.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of elevated WBC counts, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and more precise billing. D72.829 provides a broad category for elevated counts when the specific cause is not identified.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing. D72.829 provides a broad category for elevated counts when the specific cause is not identified.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does elevated white blood cell count indicate?

Elevated white blood cell count can indicate various conditions, including infections, inflammation, and hematological disorders. It is essential to evaluate the underlying cause to determine appropriate management.