What is the ICD 10 code for Elevated WBC?
White blood cells (WBCs) are an important part of the immune system, as they help fight infections and diseases. However, sometimes the WBC count can be too high, which is called leukocytosis. This can indicate an infection, inflammation, allergy, or other conditions that affect the bone marrow or the immune system.
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is a system of codes that classify diseases and health problems for medical records, billing, and research purposes. The ICD-10-CM code for elevated white blood cell count depends on the type and cause of the leukocytosis.
Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified
The most general code for elevated white blood cell count is D72.829. This code can be used when the specific type or cause of the leukocytosis is not known or documented. It can also be used as a default code when there is no other code available for the condition.
Other Elevated White Blood Cell Count
Sometimes, the WBC count can be elevated due to a specific type of white blood cell, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, or lymphocytes. These types of leukocytosis have their own codes under the category D72.8. For example:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| D72.810 | Eosinophilia |
| D72.811 | Lymphocytosis (symptomatic) |
| D72.812 | Monocytosis (symptomatic) |
| D72.818 | Other specified types of leukocytosis |
| D72.828 | Other elevated white blood cell count |
These codes should be used when the type of leukocytosis is known and documented in the medical record.
Elevated White Blood Cell Count due to other conditions
In some cases, the WBC count can be elevated due to other conditions that affect the bone marrow or the immune system, such as leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasm, or immunodeficiency disorder. These conditions have their own codes under different categories in the ICD-10-CM system. For example:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| C91-C95 | Leukemia |
| C81-C96 | Malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue |
| D46 | Myelodysplastic syndromes |
| D47 | Other neoplasms of uncertain behavior of lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue |
| D80-D89 | Certain disorders involving the immune mechanism |
These codes should be used when the cause of the leukocytosis is known and documented in the medical record.
Causes of Elevated WBC:
- Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic)
- Inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Allergic reactions
- Leukemia or other bone marrow disorders
- Medications (such as corticosteroids)
- Stress or emotional disturbances
- Smoking
- Tissue damage or trauma
- Autoimmune disorders
Signs and Symptoms of Elevated WBC:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Chills
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Joint or muscle aches
- Skin rashes or infections
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Diagnosis of Elevated WBC:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) to measure WBC count
- Medical history and physical examination
- Additional blood tests to determine the underlying cause
- Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans) to evaluate specific organs or areas
Treatment of Elevated WBC:
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Antibiotics or antiviral medications for infections
- Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammatory conditions
- Chemotherapy or targeted therapy for leukemia or cancer-related causes
- Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disorders
- Discontinuation or adjustment of medications causing elevated WBC
- Supportive care measures to manage symptoms
Complications of Elevated WBC:
- Increased risk of infections
- Organ damage or dysfunction
- Worsening of underlying conditions
- Side effects of medications or treatments
Prevention of Elevated WBC:
- Practice good hygiene to prevent infections
- Vaccination as per recommended schedule
- Manage chronic conditions effectively
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced nutrition
- Discuss potential side effects of medications with the healthcare provider
Conclusion
Elevated white blood cell count is a common finding in many patients with different conditions. The ICD-10-CM code for this condition depends on the type and cause of the leukocytosis. It is important to document the details of the condition in the medical record and use the appropriate code for accurate billing and research purposes.
I hope this blog post was helpful to you. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know.
References
(1) ICD 10 for Leukocytosis – Elevated white blood cell count.
(2) ICD-10-CM Code for Elevated white blood cell count D72.82 – AAPC.
(3) D72.829 – Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified – ICD List.
(4) ICD-10-CM Code D72.829 – Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified.
(5) ICD-10-CM Code for Other elevated white blood cell count D72.828 – AAPC.
FAQs
Q: What is the ICD 10 Code for Elevated WBC?
A: The ICD 10 Code for Elevated WBC is D72.82.
Q: What are the subcategories of the ICD 10 Code for Elevated WBC?
A: The subcategories are D72.829 for unspecified elevated white blood cell count, and D72.828 for other elevated white blood cell count.
Q: What are the types of leukocytosis?
A: The main types of leukocytosis are neutrophilia, eosinophilia, basophilia, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis.
Q: What causes leukocytosis?
A: Leukocytosis can be caused by various factors such as infection, inflammation, allergy, stress, trauma, medication, smoking, pregnancy, or cancer.
Q: Why is it important to use the correct ICD 10 Code for Elevated WBC?
A: Using the correct ICD 10 Code for Elevated WBC ensures accurate diagnosis, and proper billing, and facilitates research and analysis of health data.