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Z90.81
ICD-10-CM
Splenectomy

Find comprehensive information on splenectomy, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (D57.51, D57.59), CPT codes for total and partial splenectomy, postoperative care, complications, and long-term management. Learn about asplenia, indications for splenectomy like ITP, hereditary spherocytosis, and traumatic splenic rupture. Explore resources for healthcare professionals regarding proper medical coding, billing, and documentation best practices for splenectomy procedures.

Also known as

Spleen removal
Splenic resection

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Surgical removal of the spleen.
  • Clinical Signs : Left upper quadrant pain, anemia, fatigue, increased infections.
  • Common Settings : Trauma, blood disorders, enlarged spleen, certain cancers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z90.81 Coding
0DB20ZZ-0DBB0ZZ

Spleen, accessory spleen, and splenic vessels

Excision of spleen, accessory spleen, or splenic vessels.

0DTA0ZZ-0DTB0ZZ

Other lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues and organs

Procedures on lymphatic structures, including spleen when context requires.

0790-0799

Other diseases of spleen

Includes other specified disorders impacting spleen function.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is splenectomy total?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Splenectomy
Accessory spleen
Asplenia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Splenectomy documentation: diagnosis, indication, date
  • Pre-op spleen size, imaging reports, relevant labs
  • Surgical approach: open, laparoscopic, robotic
  • Intraoperative findings: adhesions, accessory spleen
  • Post-op complications, pathology report findings

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Reason

    Coding splenectomy without specifying the underlying reason (e.g., trauma, ITP) leads to inaccurate reporting and potential DRG misassignment.

  • Partial vs. Total

    Incorrectly coding partial splenectomy as total or vice-versa impacts reimbursement and quality data. Clear documentation is crucial.

  • Laparoscopic vs. Open

    Failing to distinguish between laparoscopic and open splenectomy approaches affects procedural coding and case-mix index accuracy.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document splenectomy indication (ICD-10-PCS, CPT) clearly.
  • Code specific reason, not just 'splenectomy' for compliance.
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation is vague.
  • Ensure postoperative complications are documented and coded.
  • Review pathology reports for accurate coding of underlying disease.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify documented diagnosis requiring splenectomy (ICD-10-CM)
  • Confirm pre-op labs/imaging/consultations completed
  • Crossmatch blood available, consent documented
  • Check prophylactic antibiotic administration
  • Intraoperative counts conducted, spleen specimen labeled

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Splenectomy Reimbursement: CPT codes 38100-38102, ICD-10 D73.5 impact payment. Accurate coding crucial for maximizing revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Post-op complications (infections, bleeding) affect hospital quality scores and value-based reimbursement.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise documentation of indications, approach (open, laparoscopic), and any additional procedures vital.
  • Hospital Reporting: Splenectomy data influences surgical quality reporting, impacting public ratings and potential penalties.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary reason for splenectomy
  • Document splenic condition clearly
  • Verify ICD-10-CM guidelines for splenectomy
  • Check for any related procedures
  • Confirm proper laterality coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for postoperative follow-up status post splenectomy.  The indication for splenectomy was [Specify indication e.g.,  traumatic splenic rupture, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hereditary spherocytosis, hypersplenism, lymphoma].  Preoperative evaluation included [Specify evaluations e.g., complete blood count (CBC) with differential, peripheral blood smear, computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, coagulation studies].  The patient underwent [Specify surgical approach e.g., laparoscopic splenectomy, open splenectomy] on [Date of surgery].  Intraoperative findings included [Describe intraoperative findings e.g.,  a large spleen measuring [dimensions], hemoperitoneum, accessory spleen].  Postoperative course was [Describe postoperative course e.g., complicated by, uncomplicated].  The patient is currently [Describe current status e.g.,  asymptomatic, experiencing mild pain controlled with analgesics].  Physical examination reveals [Describe relevant physical exam findings e.g.,  a well-healing abdominal incision, normal bowel sounds, no palpable masses].  Current medications include [List current medications e.g.,  analgesics, prophylactic antibiotics, vaccinations against encapsulated organisms (pneumococcal, meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type b)].  Patient education was provided regarding the risks of post-splenectomy sepsis and the importance of vaccination compliance.  The patient was advised to seek immediate medical attention for any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or malaise.  Follow-up is scheduled in [Duration] to monitor recovery and assess for any complications.  ICD-10 code [Specify appropriate ICD-10 code e.g.,  D73.50, D73.51, S36.012A] applies. CPT code for the procedure was [Specify appropriate CPT code e.g., 38100, 38101, 38102].