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D84.9
ICD-10-CM
Immunosuppressed Status

Find comprehensive information on Immunosuppressed Status including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines, ICD-10 codes, and healthcare best practices for managing patients with weakened immune systems. This resource covers diagnosis, treatment considerations, and important information for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders dealing with immunocompromised patients and immunosuppression related conditions. Learn about common causes of immunosuppression such as chemotherapy, organ transplantation, HIVAIDS, and primary immunodeficiency disorders. Improve your understanding of accurate documentation and appropriate coding for optimal patient care and reimbursement.

Also known as

Immunocompromised State
Immune Deficiency

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Weakened immune system, reduced ability to fight infections and diseases.
  • Clinical Signs : Frequent infections, slow wound healing, fatigue, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes.
  • Common Settings : Organ transplant, chemotherapy, HIVAIDS, autoimmune diseases, primary immunodeficiencies.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC D84.9 Coding
D80-D89

Disorders of immune mechanism

Conditions causing weakened immune system function.

Z76.89

Other specified health status

Includes immunosuppression due to various factors.

B20-B24

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease

HIV infection significantly compromises the immune system.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is immunosuppression due to disease?

  • Yes

    Specify disease

  • No

    Is it drug-induced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Immunosuppressed
HIV Infection
Post-transplant

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • ICD-10 code Z76.818, other specified immunosuppression
  • Document underlying cause of immunosuppression (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy)
  • Specify type of immunosuppressant medication, if applicable
  • Severity & duration of immunosuppression must be documented
  • Impact of immunosuppression on patient's current condition

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Cause

    Coding immunosuppression without specifying the underlying cause (disease, medication) leads to inaccurate risk adjustment and data analysis.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Insufficient clinical documentation to support the immunosuppressed state can cause coding errors and denials. CDI can improve documentation clarity.

  • Overgeneralization

    Using non-specific codes like Z79.899 (Other long term drug therapy) instead of a precise code for the immunosuppressive drug or condition impacts data integrity.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document underlying condition causing immunosuppression using ICD-10 codes.
  • Specify type and duration of immunosuppressive therapy for accurate coding.
  • Query physician for clarity if immunosuppression status is unclear in documentation.
  • Regularly audit documentation for immunosuppression to ensure compliant billing.
  • Educate CDI staff on proper documentation of immunosuppressed status for improved coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Check ICD-10: D84.8, D84.9, Z76.81 - Document precisely.
  • 2. Review labs: Lymphocyte count, CD4 count if applicable.
  • 3. Medications: Note immunosuppressants, chemotherapy agents.
  • 4. History: Organ transplant, HIV, primary immunodeficiency?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Immunosuppressed status reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (Z79.8 or other applicable codes) for optimal payer specificity and reduced claim denials. Proper coding maximizes hospital revenue.
  • Coding quality directly impacts immunosuppressed patient risk adjustment scores, influencing value-based care reimbursements and public quality reporting metrics like observed vs expected mortality.
  • Accurate immunosuppression documentation supports appropriate severity level assignment (e.g., APR-DRG), affecting hospital case-mix index and overall financial performance.
  • Timely and specific immunosuppression coding improves data integrity for hospital-acquired infection surveillance, enabling targeted interventions and enhanced patient safety outcomes.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Z74.89 other immunosuppression
  • Document underlying cause for immunosuppression
  • Query physician if cause unclear
  • Specify acquired vs congenital
  • Review Rx for immunosuppressants

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with immunosuppressed status, secondary to [underlying cause, e.g., chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia,  solid organ transplant, prolonged high-dose corticosteroid therapy, HIV infection with CD4 count less than 200 cellsmm3, primary immunodeficiency such as common variable immunodeficiency].  Immunocompromised state confirmed by [laboratory data, e.g., absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin levels].  Patient exhibits [clinical manifestations of immunosuppression, e.g., recurrent infections, opportunistic infections such as candidiasis or Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, poor wound healing, fatigue, weight loss].  Current medications include [list all medications, including immunosuppressants, antimicrobials, and prophylactic medications].  Assessment reveals increased susceptibility to infections and complications.  Plan includes close monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection, prophylactic antimicrobial therapy as indicated, patient education regarding infection prevention measures including hand hygiene and avoidance of sick contacts,  nutritional support, and optimization of underlying condition management.  Differential diagnoses considered included [relevant differentials, e.g., drug-induced leukopenia, nutritional deficiencies].  ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., D84.8 Other specified immunodeficiencies, Z79.899 Other long term current drug therapy] and CPT codes [relevant CPT codes for evaluation and management, e.g., 99214, 99215] documented for medical billing and coding purposes.  Follow-up scheduled in [ timeframe] to reassess immune status and adjust management as needed.