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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD72.818

D72.818

Billable

Other decreased white blood cell count

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D72.818 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other decreased white blood cell count.

Key Diagnostic Point:

D72.818 refers to conditions characterized by a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count that does not fall under more specific categories. Neutropenia, a common form of decreased WBC count, is defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 1,500 cells per microliter. This condition can arise from various causes, including bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain medications. Disorders of the spleen, such as hypersplenism, can also lead to decreased WBC counts due to increased destruction of blood cells. Immunodeficiencies, whether congenital or acquired, can further complicate the clinical picture, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. Accurate diagnosis often requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of the leukopenia. Clinicians must consider the patient's clinical context, as the implications of a decreased WBC count can vary significantly depending on the etiology and associated symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to decreased WBC count
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other hematological disorders
  • Variability in laboratory reference ranges

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause
  • Failure to specify the type of leukopenia
  • Lack of supporting lab results
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained infections or fatigue, requiring evaluation of WBC counts.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of bone marrow biopsy results and other hematological evaluations.

Immunology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of immunodeficiency workup and any associated autoimmune conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent infections or autoimmune disorders presenting with leukopenia.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of immunoglobulin levels and specific antibody responses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D72.818 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D72
  • 818 should be used when the decrease in WBC count is not specified as due to a more defined condition
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the decrease in WBC count is clinically significant

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D72.818 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate patients presenting with symptoms of infection and low WBC counts.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Hematologists may require additional tests based on 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 decreased white blood cell counts, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and treatment outcomes. D72.818 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing the accuracy of patient records.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of decreased white blood cell counts, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and treatment outcomes. D72.818 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing the accuracy of patient records.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of decreased white blood cell counts, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and treatment outcomes. D72.818 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing the accuracy of patient records.

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 is the significance of a decreased white blood cell count?

A decreased white blood cell count can indicate an underlying health issue, such as bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, or infections. It increases the risk of infections and may require further evaluation and management.