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
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup.
Diseases of liver
Liver conditions that can cause jaundice as a symptom.
Perinatal jaundice
Jaundice occurring in newborns during the perinatal period.
Viral hepatitis
Viral infections of the liver that often lead to jaundice.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Yellowing of skin/eyes |
Neonatal jaundice |
Obstructive jaundice |
Coding jaundice without specifying neonatal, obstructive, or other types leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and lost revenue.
Failing to code the underlying condition causing jaundice (e.g., hepatitis, gallstones) impacts risk adjustment and quality metrics.
Missing kernicterus (bilirubin encephalopathy) in neonatal jaundice cases leads to underreporting of severity and potential medical necessity issues.
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.