Low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a condition where the blood has a lower than normal number of platelets. Platelets are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting and preventing bleeding. In medical billing and coding, ICD-10 codes are used to classify and code various health conditions, including low platelet count. Here are 10 ICD-10 codes related to low platelets, explained in detail:
D69.0 - Thrombocytopenia, unspecified: This code is used when a patient has a low platelet count, but the underlying cause is not specified. It’s a general code that can be used for various types of thrombocytopenia.
D69.1 - Thrombocytopenia due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: This code is specific to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a condition where the use of heparin causes a low platelet count. Heparin is a medication used to prevent blood clotting, and in some cases, it can trigger an immune response that destroys platelets.
D69.2 - Thrombocytopenia due to other drugs: This code is used when a patient develops a low platelet count due to the use of certain medications other than heparin. Various medications, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause thrombocytopenia as a side effect.
D69.3 - Thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow failure: This code applies to patients with bone marrow failure, which can be caused by various conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or aplastic anemia. When the bone marrow fails, it can’t produce enough platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia.
D69.4 - Post-transfusion purpura: This code is used for a rare condition where a patient develops thrombocytopenia after receiving a blood transfusion. The transfused blood contains platelets that are recognized as foreign by the recipient’s immune system, leading to an immune response that destroys the patient’s own platelets.
D69.5 - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): TTP is a rare blood disorder characterized by the formation of small blood clots throughout the body, which can lead to a low platelet count. This code is used to classify TTP, which can be caused by genetic mutations, certain medications, or other medical conditions.
D69.6 - Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): HUS is a condition where a patient develops thrombocytopenia, acute kidney failure, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (a type of anemia characterized by the destruction of red blood cells). This code is used to classify HUS, which can be caused by bacterial infections, certain medications, or other medical conditions.
D73.0 - Hypersplenism: Hypersplenism is a condition where the spleen becomes overactive and starts to remove too many blood cells, including platelets, from the circulation. This code is used to classify hypersplenism, which can be caused by various conditions such as liver cirrhosis, leukemia, or lymphoma.
D73.1 - Congenital thrombocytopenia: This code is used for patients born with a low platelet count due to a congenital condition. Congenital thrombocytopenia can be caused by genetic mutations or inherited conditions that affect platelet production.
M96.1 - Thrombocytopenia following bone marrow transplantation: This code is specific to patients who develop thrombocytopenia after undergoing a bone marrow transplant. The conditioning regimen used before the transplant, as well as the graft-versus-host disease that can occur after the transplant, can cause a low platelet count.
These ICD-10 codes provide a way to classify and code various conditions related to low platelet count, allowing healthcare providers to track and manage patient care more effectively.
What are the common causes of thrombocytopenia?
+Thrombocytopenia can be caused by various factors, including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, other medications, bone marrow failure, post-transfusion purpura, and congenital conditions.
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?
+Symptoms of thrombocytopenia may include bruising, bleeding gums, petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), and bleeding from the nose or gastrointestinal tract.
How is thrombocytopenia diagnosed?
+Thrombocytopenia is typically diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the number of platelets in the blood. Additional tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy or genetic testing, may be performed to determine the underlying cause of thrombocytopenia.
By understanding the different ICD-10 codes related to low platelet count, healthcare providers can improve patient care and management, as well as facilitate accurate billing and coding practices.
