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 CodesD74.9

D74.9

Billable

Methemoglobinemia, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D74.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of methemoglobinemia, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Methemoglobinemia is a condition characterized by an elevated level of methemoglobin in the blood, which is a form of hemoglobin that is unable to effectively release oxygen to body tissues. This condition can be caused by various factors, including exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, or congenital defects. Patients may present with symptoms such as cyanosis, fatigue, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, neurological impairment. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through a blood test measuring methemoglobin levels. Treatment may involve the administration of methylene blue, oxygen therapy, or blood transfusions in severe cases. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause of methemoglobinemia has not been determined, which may complicate treatment and management strategies. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective intervention and prevention of further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Differentiation from other hemoglobinopathies
  • Need for specific laboratory tests for diagnosis
  • Potential for acute versus chronic presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and laboratory results
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause when known
  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to potential denials
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, patient history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with cyanosis and unexplained hypoxia.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of methemoglobin levels and any treatments administered.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, treatment provided, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of cyanosis and respiratory distress.

Billing Considerations

Document the timeline of symptoms and interventions to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D74.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D74
  • 9 should be used when the specific cause of methemoglobinemia is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D74.9 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 blood components, including methemoglobin levels.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC and any abnormal 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 methemoglobinemia, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. It has also highlighted the need for thorough documentation to support the use of unspecified codes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of methemoglobinemia, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. It has also highlighted the need for thorough documentation to support the use of unspecified codes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of methemoglobinemia, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. It has also highlighted the need for thorough documentation to support the use of unspecified codes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Methemoglobinemia Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Methemoglobinemia Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of methemoglobinemia?

Common causes include exposure to certain medications (like benzocaine), chemicals (such as aniline dyes), and congenital enzyme deficiencies.