Understanding leukopenia, a low white blood cell count, is crucial for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on leukopenia diagnosis, causes, symptoms, ICD-10 codes (D72.820, D72.828), treatment, and management. Learn about neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, its association with conditions like chemotherapy-induced leukopenia and drug-induced leukopenia, and the importance of complete blood count (CBC) interpretation for healthcare professionals.
Also known as
Diseases of white blood cells
Covers various white blood cell disorders, including leukopenia.
Neutropenia
A specific type of leukopenia characterized by low neutrophil count.
Other specified abnormal findings
May be used for leukopenia if not specified elsewhere.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Low white blood cell count |
| Neutropenia |
| Lymphopenia |
Coding leukopenia without specifying the type (e.g., neutropenia, lymphopenia) can lead to inaccurate severity and treatment reflection, impacting reimbursement.
Failing to code drug-induced leukopenia with the appropriate adverse effect code can obscure causality and hinder pharmacovigilance efforts.
Incorrectly coding the severity of leukopenia (mild, moderate, severe) can affect quality reporting and resource allocation decisions.
Patient presents with leukopenia, defined as a low white blood cell count (WBC). Presenting symptoms include [Insert specific symptoms, e.g., fatigue, weakness, recurrent infections, fever, chills, mouth sores]. On physical examination, [Insert relevant findings, e.g., pallor, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly]. Complete blood count (CBC) reveals a WBC of [Insert value] x 10^9L, confirming leukopenia. Differential count shows [Insert neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts and percentages]. Considering the patient's presentation and laboratory findings, the differential diagnosis includes [Insert relevant differential diagnoses, e.g., bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, chemotherapy side effects, drug-induced leukopenia, nutritional deficiencies]. Further investigations include [Insert planned investigations, e.g., bone marrow biopsy, peripheral blood smear review, viral studies, autoimmune panels, medication review]. Initial management includes [Insert initial management plan, e.g., monitoring for signs of infection, prophylactic antibiotics if clinically indicated, nutritional counseling if appropriate, addressing underlying cause if identified]. Patient education provided on signs and symptoms of infection, importance of follow-up, and potential complications of leukopenia. ICD-10 code D72.829 (Other specified leukopenia) is assigned. Plan for continued monitoring of WBC and clinical status with adjustments to treatment as necessary.