Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts

This code describes a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, leading to anemia that is unresponsive to standard treatments. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of 15% or more ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow, indicating impaired heme synthesis. Patients often present with symptoms related to chronic anemia, such as fatigue and pallor.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with refractory anemia where bone marrow biopsy confirms the presence of ring sideroblasts. Documentation should clearly state "refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts" or "RARS" and indicate the percentage of ring sideroblasts if available. This code is appropriate when the anemia is persistent despite iron supplementation or other initial therapies.

• Ensure documentation specifies "refractory" anemia and the presence of "ring sideroblasts" to support this specific MDS subtype.
• Do not confuse with other myelodysplastic syndromes without ring sideroblasts; each MDS subtype has a distinct code.
• Code any associated pancytopenia or other cytopenias separately if documented and clinically significant.