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D45
ICD-10-CM
Polycythaemia

Understand polycythemia vera diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Find information on polycythemia rubra vera, JAK2 mutation testing, hematocrit levels, and complete blood count CBC interpretation. Learn about polycythemia treatment, management, and prognosis. Explore essential coding guidelines for polycythemia including ICD-10 codes D45 and related SNOMED CT concepts. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis, documentation, and coding for polycythemia.

Also known as

Polycythemia vera
Secondary polycythemia
Familial erythrocytosis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Increased red blood cell mass, leading to thicker blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, itching, enlarged spleen.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, hematology clinics, hospitals (for complications).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC D45 Coding
D45

Polycythemia vera

Bone marrow disorder causing overproduction of red blood cells.

D75.1

Secondary polycythemia

Increased red blood cells due to another underlying condition.

P50-P59

Neonatal hemorrhage/hematological

Includes neonatal polycythemia and related blood disorders.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the polycythaemia due to a known underlying cause?

  • Yes

    Due to hypoxia?

  • No

    Is it Polycythaemia Vera (PV)?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
High red blood cell count
Essential thrombocythemia
Myelofibrosis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Elevated hemoglobin/hematocrit documented
  • JAK2 mutation status or other relevant genetic testing
  • Bone marrow biopsy findings if performed
  • Presence/absence of splenomegaly documented
  • Differential diagnosis considerations documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Type

    Coding polycythaemia without specifying vera/secondary creates HCC and CDI query risks impacting DRG assignment.

  • Missed Complication Codes

    Failing to code thrombosis, myelofibrosis, or other related conditions with polycythaemia leads to underreporting severity and lost revenue.

  • Inaccurate Sequencing

    Incorrectly sequencing polycythaemia as primary when it is secondary to another condition affects medical necessity and compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document JAK2 mutation status for accurate PV diagnosis coding (ICD-10: D45.0).
  • Ensure complete blood count (CBC) and EPO levels are documented for PV CDI.
  • Review medical necessity of phlebotomy based on hematocrit levels for compliance.
  • Use standardized terminology for PV diagnosis: 'polycythemia vera' not 'erythrocytosis'.
  • Monitor and document iron levels to prevent iron deficiency during phlebotomy.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Elevated Hb/Hct: Verify documented values exceed normal thresholds.
  • JAK2 Mutation: Check for JAK2V617F or other relevant mutations.
  • EPO Level: Confirm serum erythropoietin level (low/normal expected).
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy: Evaluate for erythroid hyperplasia if indicated.
  • Exclude Secondary Causes: Rule out hypoxia, other causes of high Hb/Hct.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Polycythaemia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (D45.x) for optimal payer specificity.
  • Quality metrics for Polycythaemia track hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and thromboembolic event incidence.
  • Coding errors impact hospital reporting for Polycythaemia, affecting CMI and resource allocation.
  • Accurate Polycythaemia coding ensures appropriate DRG assignment and impacts hospital reimbursement.

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 primary polycythemia D45.1
  • Secondary polycythemia, code underlying cause
  • Document EPO level for D45
  • Specify polycythemia vera type
  • Check JAK2 mutation documentation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of polycythemia vera, including headache, dizziness, pruritus, and erythromelalgia.  Physical examination reveals splenomegaly and plethora.  Complete blood count demonstrates elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count.  White blood cell and platelet counts are also elevated.  The patient denies any history of chronic hypoxia, carboxyhemoglobinemia, or erythropoietin-secreting tumors.  Bone marrow biopsy shows hypercellularity with trilineage hyperplasia.  JAK2 mutation analysis is pending.  Differential diagnoses include secondary polycythemia and other myeloproliferative neoplasms.  Assessment: Polycythemia vera, likely.  Plan: Initiate phlebotomy to reduce hematocrit.  Low-dose aspirin therapy will be started for thrombotic prophylaxis.  Patient education provided regarding disease management, potential complications including thrombosis and transformation to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia, and the importance of follow-up appointments.  Referral to hematology for further evaluation and management.  ICD-10 code D45.1, Polycythemia vera, is assigned.  Medical billing codes will reflect evaluation and management services, laboratory testing, and therapeutic phlebotomy.  The patient will be scheduled for regular monitoring of blood counts, JAK2 mutation status, and assessment for disease progression.
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