Abnormality of red blood cells
ICD-10 R71 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormality of red blood cells.
R71 refers to abnormalities in red blood cells that are not classified elsewhere. These abnormalities can manifest as variations in size, shape, or number of red blood cells, which may indicate underlying hematological disorders. Common findings include anisocytosis (variation in cell size), poikilocytosis (abnormal shapes), and reticulocytosis (increased immature red blood cells). These abnormalities can be indicative of conditions such as anemia, thalassemia, or bone marrow disorders. Laboratory tests, including complete blood counts (CBC) and peripheral blood smears, are essential for diagnosis. Clinicians must consider the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and additional lab findings to determine the underlying cause of the abnormality. Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of the clinical context and any associated symptoms or findings.
Detailed patient history, lab results, and clinical findings must be documented.
Patients presenting with fatigue, pallor, or unexplained bruising.
Consideration of chronic diseases that may contribute to red blood cell abnormalities.
Acute care notes must include vital signs, lab results, and immediate clinical findings.
Patients with acute anemia or hemolytic crises presenting with shortness of breath or tachycardia.
Rapid assessment and documentation of lab results are critical for timely intervention.
Used to evaluate red blood cell abnormalities.
Document the reason for the CBC and any relevant clinical findings.
Internal medicine and hematology may require more detailed documentation.
R71 can represent various abnormalities in red blood cells, including changes in size, shape, and number, which may indicate underlying conditions such as anemia, thalassemia, or bone marrow disorders.
