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  5. Abnormality of red blood cells (R71)

Abnormality of red blood cells (R71)

The ICD-10 code R71 identifies abnormalities related to red blood cells, with specific subcodes used to describe particular types of red blood cell issues. The code R71.0 denotes a precipitous drop in hematocrit, which is a rapid decline in the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. R71.8 covers a wide range of other red blood cell abnormalities not classified elsewhere.

These codes are used for documenting various abnormal findings involving red blood cells without specifying a definitive diagnosis. For example, R71.0 applies when laboratory data shows a sudden hematocrit decrease, often described as hematocrit below or outside the reference range, or during a hemolytic crisis. The broader code R71.8 encompasses numerous conditions such as hereditary spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, changes in red blood cell size or color, abnormal hemoglobin variants, and other irregularities like anisocytosis or poikilocytosis. Recognizing synonyms like "erythrocyte membrane abnormality" or "red blood cell population finding" helps coders accurately link clinical observations to the correct ICD-10 code. These codes serve to capture complex red blood cell abnormalities detected through lab tests or blood smear examinations, facilitating precise clinical documentation and coding.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • anemias D50 D64
  • anemia of premature infant P61.2
  • benign familial polycythemia D75.0
  • congenital anemias P61.2 P61.4
  • newborn anemia due to isoimmunization P55
  • polycythemia neonatorum P61.1
  • polycythemia NOS D75.1
  • polycythemia vera D45
  • secondary polycythemia D75.1

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Erythrocyte Aggregation

The formation of clumps of RED BLOOD CELLS under low or non-flow conditions, resulting from the attraction forces between the red blood cells. The cells adhere to each other in rouleaux aggregates. Slight mechanical force, such as occurs in the circulation, is enough to disperse these aggregates. Stronger or weaker than normal aggregation may result from a variety of effects in the ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE or in BLOOD PLASMA. The degree of aggregation is affected by ERYTHROCYTE DEFORMABILITY, erythrocyte membrane sialylation, masking of negative surface charge by plasma proteins, etc. BLOOD VISCOSITY and the ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE are affected by the amount of erythrocyte aggregation and are parameters used to measure the aggregation.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks containing HEMOGLOBIN whose function is to transport OXYGEN.

Heinz Bodies

Abnormal intracellular inclusions, composed of denatured hemoglobin, found on the membrane of red blood cells. They are seen in thalassemias, enzymopathies, hemoglobinopathies, and after splenectomy.

HELLP Syndrome

A syndrome of HEMOLYSIS, elevated liver ENZYMES, and low blood platelets count (THROMBOCYTOPENIA). HELLP syndrome is observed in PREGNANT PEOPLE with PRE-ECLAMPSIA or ECLAMPSIA who also exhibit LIVER damage and abnormalities in BLOOD COAGULATION.

Hemolysis

The destruction of ERYTHROCYTES by many different causal agents such as antibodies, bacteria, chemicals, temperature, and changes in tonicity.