ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD59.9

D59.9

Billable

Acquired hemolytic anemia, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D59.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired hemolytic anemia, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired hemolytic anemia is a condition characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), leading to a decrease in their lifespan and resulting in anemia. This condition can arise from various factors, including autoimmune disorders, infections, certain medications, and exposure to toxins. Unlike hereditary forms of hemolytic anemia, acquired hemolytic anemia is not genetically inherited but develops due to external factors. The clinical presentation may include fatigue, pallor, jaundice, dark urine, and splenomegaly. Diagnosis typically involves laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and direct Coombs test to identify the underlying cause. Treatment strategies depend on the etiology and may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, or addressing the underlying condition. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause of hemolysis has not been determined, necessitating further investigation to guide appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes requiring thorough investigation
  • Need for precise documentation to differentiate from hereditary forms
  • Potential overlap with other anemia codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and laboratory findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of hemolysis
  • Failure to specify if the hemolytic anemia is acute or chronic
  • Lack of supporting lab results in the medical record
  • Misclassification with hereditary hemolytic anemias

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, patient history, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, jaundice, and abnormal lab results indicating hemolysis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the cause of hemolysis is clearly documented to avoid misclassification.

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and physical examination findings are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained anemia and signs of hemolysis.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses and appropriate lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D59.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D59
  • 9 should be used when the specific cause of acquired hemolytic anemia is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis
  • If the underlying cause is identified, a more specific code should be used

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D59.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with reticulocyte count

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate anemia and hemolysis.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Hematologists may require additional tests based on initial findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hemolytic anemias, improving the ability to capture the nuances of acquired versus hereditary forms. D59.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hemolytic anemias, improving the ability to capture the nuances of acquired versus hereditary forms. D59.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 are the common causes of acquired hemolytic anemia?

Common causes include autoimmune disorders, infections, certain medications, and exposure to toxins. Each cause may require different management strategies.