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D70.9
ICD-10-CM
Neutropenia

Understand neutropenia diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Find information on absolute neutrophil count ANC, severe congenital neutropenia SCN, cyclic neutropenia, drug-induced neutropenia, and ICD-10 codes for neutropenia. Learn about neutropenia treatment, management, and the role of healthcare professionals in diagnosing and documenting this condition. Explore resources for accurate medical coding and billing related to neutropenia.

Also known as

Low Neutrophil Count
Agranulocytosis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Abnormally low count of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Increased risk of infections, fever, mouth sores, skin infections. Often asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Cancer treatment (chemotherapy), autoimmune disorders, bone marrow disorders, certain medications.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC D70.9 Coding
D70-D70

Neutropenia

Abnormally low levels of neutrophils in the blood.

D72-D72

Other white blood cell disorders

Includes other specified white blood cell disorders, not elsewhere classified.

R79.898

Other specified abnormal findings

Can be used for neutropenia if documented as present but no other code applies.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is neutropenia congenital?

  • Yes

    Is it severe congenital neutropenia?

  • No

    Is it drug-induced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low neutrophil count
Febrile neutropenia
Chronic neutropenia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Neutropenia diagnosis: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
  • Document ANC calculation method and reference range.
  • Severity of neutropenia (mild, moderate, severe)
  • Underlying cause if known (e.g., chemotherapy, infection)
  • Symptoms and signs related to neutropenia (if any)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Neutropenia

    Coding D70 without specifying severity or cause leads to inaccurate risk adjustment and reimbursement.

  • Missed Drug-Induced Neutropenia

    Failing to code adverse drug reactions causing neutropenia (e.g., using D70 instead of a T45 code) impacts patient safety data.

  • Neutropenia vs. Agranulocytosis

    Incorrectly differentiating between neutropenia (D70) and agranulocytosis (D70.0) affects severity reporting and treatment choices.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document ANC values with ICD-10 codes (D70.x).
  • Specify neutropenia type (e.g., febrile, chronic) for accurate CDI.
  • Monitor & document growth factors for compliance with NCCN guidelines.
  • Implement infection control measures, document per hospital policy.
  • Review medication list for drug-induced neutropenia, update problem list.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify ANC < 1500/mcL (ICD-10: D70.810)
  • Review medications: chemo, antipsychotics (patient safety)
  • Assess for infection signs (fever, chills): sepsis risk
  • Check CBC with differential, smear review (clinical documentation)
  • Consider bone marrow biopsy if etiology unclear (diagnosis)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Neutropenia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (D70.-) and precise documentation of severity and etiology for optimal payer reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics for neutropenia involve tracking infection rates, duration of hospitalization, and readmissions. Accurate coding impacts these metrics.
  • Timely and accurate diagnosis coding of neutropenia impacts hospital reporting on infection control, patient safety, and resource utilization.
  • Neutropenia treatment cost and length of stay are key metrics affected by coding accuracy, impacting hospital financial performance reporting.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective evidence-based management strategies for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in adult cancer patients?

A: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) is a common and serious side effect of cancer treatment. Effective management of CIN involves a multi-pronged approach, including primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) in patients at high risk (e.g., intensive chemotherapy regimens, older age, pre-existing neutropenia). Consider implementing prophylactic antibiotics in patients with prolonged neutropenia or other risk factors for infection. Supportive care measures, like meticulous hygiene and prompt treatment of febrile neutropenia, are crucial. Explore how dose adjustments or treatment delays might minimize neutropenia without compromising cancer treatment efficacy. The latest clinical guidelines, such as those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), provide detailed recommendations on CIN management based on patient-specific factors and risk stratification. Learn more about personalized CIN management strategies based on recent clinical trial data.

Q: How can I differentiate between benign chronic neutropenia and more serious forms of neutropenia in the primary care setting?

A: Distinguishing benign chronic neutropenia, like mild congenital neutropenia or ethnic neutropenia, from more concerning neutropenias involves a thorough evaluation. Start with a detailed medical history, including family history of blood disorders, infections, medications, and ethnicity. A complete blood count (CBC) with differential is essential to quantify the absolute neutrophil count (ANC). If the ANC is mildly to moderately low and the patient is asymptomatic or has a history of mild, infrequent infections, benign chronic neutropenia is likely. However, consider implementing further investigations, such as bone marrow examination, genetic testing, or immunological studies, if the neutropenia is severe, progressive, or associated with recurrent or severe infections, splenomegaly, or other concerning symptoms. These investigations can help identify underlying causes like cyclic neutropenia, severe congenital neutropenia (Kostmann syndrome), or autoimmune neutropenia. Explore the diagnostic algorithms for neutropenia to guide your decision-making.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary neutropenia first
  • Specify ANC value if known
  • Document cause of neutropenia
  • Check for drug-induced neutropenia
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of neutropenia, including fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, and recurrent infections.  The patient reports a history of [insert relevant past medical history, e.g., recent chemotherapy, viral infection, autoimmune disorder, or exposure to certain medications].  Physical examination reveals [insert relevant physical exam findings, e.g., pallor, oral ulcers, tachycardia, or signs of infection].  Complete blood count (CBC) with differential demonstrates absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of [insert ANC value], confirming the diagnosis of neutropenia.  Severity of neutropenia is classified as [mild, moderate, or severe] based on the ANC.  Differential diagnosis includes [list potential differential diagnoses, e.g., aplastic anemia, leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, vitamin B12 deficiency, or drug-induced neutropenia].  Further investigations, such as bone marrow biopsy, peripheral blood smear review, and serological testing for infections, may be indicated to determine the underlying etiology of the neutropenia.  Treatment plan includes [mention treatment strategies such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, prophylactic antibiotics, and management of underlying conditions]. Patient education provided on infection prevention strategies, including hand hygiene, avoidance of sick contacts, and prompt reporting of fever.  Follow-up CBC scheduled to monitor neutrophil recovery.  ICD-10 code D70.  Medical billing codes will be dependent on the specific procedures performed and the complexity of the evaluation and management.
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