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R17
ICD-10-CM
Jaundice

Understanding jaundice diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Find information on hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal jaundice, obstructive jaundice, and other related conditions. Explore clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (R17), medical billing guidelines, and differential diagnoses for jaundice. Learn about laboratory tests, including bilirubin levels, and effective management strategies for patients with jaundice. This resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and individuals seeking to understand this condition.

Also known as

Icterus
Hyperbilirubinemia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Yellowing of skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.
  • Clinical Signs : Yellow skin, scleral icterus, dark urine, pale stools, itching.
  • Common Settings : Newborns, liver disease, gallbladder problems, blood disorders.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R17 Coding
R17

Jaundice

Yellowing of skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup.

K70-K77

Diseases of liver

Liver conditions that can cause jaundice as a symptom.

P55-P59

Perinatal jaundice

Jaundice occurring in newborns during the perinatal period.

B15-B19

Viral hepatitis

Viral infections of the liver that often lead to jaundice.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the jaundice due to a newborn condition?

  • Yes

    Is it physiological?

  • No

    Is the cause known?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Yellowing of skin/eyes
Neonatal jaundice
Obstructive jaundice

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Jaundice onset date
  • Specific jaundice type (neonatal, obstructive, etc.)
  • Underlying cause if known (e.g., hepatitis, gallstones)
  • Bilirubin levels (total and direct)
  • Physical exam findings (e.g., scleral icterus, skin color)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Jaundice

    Coding jaundice without specifying neonatal, obstructive, or other types leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and lost revenue.

  • Underlying Cause Missed

    Failing to code the underlying condition causing jaundice (e.g., hepatitis, gallstones) impacts risk adjustment and quality metrics.

  • Kernicterus Overlooked

    Missing kernicterus (bilirubin encephalopathy) in neonatal jaundice cases leads to underreporting of severity and potential medical necessity issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document bilirubin levels, location, onset for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specify jaundice type (neonatal, obstructive, etc.) for optimal reimbursement.
  • Query physician for cause of jaundice to improve CDI and HCC coding.
  • Review lab results (liver function tests) for complete clinical picture.
  • Ensure documentation supports medical necessity for compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm visible jaundice: skin, sclera
  • Review bilirubin levels: total, direct
  • Assess liver function tests: ALT, AST, ALP
  • Evaluate for hemolysis: CBC, haptoglobin
  • Consider imaging if indicated: ultrasound, CT

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Jaundice reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (R17) and supporting documentation for medical necessity.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Length of stay, readmission rates, patient satisfaction related to jaundice management.
  • Coding accuracy crucial for proper DRG assignment affecting hospital reimbursement for jaundice cases.
  • Timely diagnosis coding impacts quality reporting and value-based payment adjustments for jaundice treatment.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code neonatal jaundice P59.9
  • Document cause of jaundice
  • Specify type: obstructive, hepatocellular
  • Use additional codes for underlying conditions
  • Query physician if cause unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera.  Differential diagnosis includes neonatal jaundice, obstructive jaundice, hemolytic jaundice, and hepatocellular jaundice.  Assessment focuses on identifying the underlying etiology, considering risk factors such as age, medication history including acetaminophen and statins, family history of liver disease, alcohol consumption, recent infections like hepatitis, and exposure to toxins.  Physical examination reveals icterus, and may include hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, or abdominal tenderness.  Laboratory tests, including total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, liver function tests (LFTs) such as AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT, complete blood count (CBC), and coagulation studies, are essential for diagnosis and monitoring.  Imaging studies, like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, may be indicated to evaluate liver and biliary tract anatomy.  Treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause and may include phototherapy for neonatal jaundice, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary obstruction, or medications to manage underlying liver disease.  Patient education regarding lifestyle modifications, dietary restrictions, and medication adherence is crucial.  ICD-10 codes for jaundice may include R17 (jaundice, unspecified), R18 (other jaundice), or more specific codes based on the underlying cause.  CPT codes for diagnostic and treatment procedures will be documented based on services rendered.  Follow-up is essential to monitor bilirubin levels, liver function, and treatment response.
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