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Coding Transfusions in ICD-10-PCS

Published on 

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

 | RAC Information 
 | FAQ 

Q:

How will the coding of blood transfusions change in ICD-10-PCS?

 

A:

Answer: Under I-9, the coder would search for, Transfusion in the Alphabetic Index and then look for the specific blood product to be transfused.

Example: Transfusion of PRBCs - 99.04

In I-10, much more clinical information will be required to arrive at the correct code. We will have to know the specific blood vessel that will receive the blood product and the approach/technique used to reach that blood vessel. Also, we will have to know whether the blood is Autologous (taken from the patient; auto-transfusion) or Non-Autologous (obtained from another person).

Character 1SectionAdministration
Character 2Body SystemCirculatory
Character 3Root OperationTransfusion
Character 4Body System/RegionPeripheral Vein, Central Vein, Peripheral Artery, Central Artery
Character 5ApproachOpen, Percutaneous
Character 6SubstanceType of Blood Product (Bone Marrow, Red Blood Cells, Platelets, etc.)
Character 7QualifierAutologous, Non-Autologous

Example: Transfusion of Nonautologous Red Blood Cells into Peripheral Artery, Percutaneous Approach – 30253N1

To obtain more specific documentation from the clinician, it would be beneficial to list all of the physical locations in the hospital where the patient would have the opportunity to receive blood products, such as, at bedside, Operating Room, or Emergency Room. Inform the appropriate personnel in these areas of the documentation needed for code assignment. Or, simply request that this specific documentation be added to your hospital’s blood transfusion sheets.

 

Article Author:

This material was compiled to share information.  MMP, Inc. is not offering legal advice. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and useful.