Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, unspecified

This code signifies a type of hemolytic anemia where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells, leading to a reduction in their count. The "unspecified" nature indicates that the specific type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (e.g., warm, cold) has not been documented by the provider.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia but does not specify the subtype. Documentation supporting its use would include laboratory findings consistent with hemolysis (e.g., elevated reticulocyte count, indirect bilirubin, LDH, decreased haptoglobin) and positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) or Coombs test, without further specification of the underlying mechanism.

• Do not use this code if the specific type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (e.g., warm, cold agglutinin disease) is documented; instead, use a more specific code from the D59.1 subcategory.
• Always review the entire medical record for any mention of the specific type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia before assigning this unspecified code.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter or admission, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a co-morbidity.