Acquired hemolytic anemia, unspecified

This code represents a type of anemia where red blood cells are prematurely destroyed due to an acquired cause, rather than an inherited defect. The specific underlying cause of the hemolysis is not identified or documented. This condition leads to a reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells, impacting oxygen delivery to tissues.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates an acquired hemolytic anemia, but the specific etiology (e.g., autoimmune, drug-induced, mechanical) is not specified by the provider. This code is appropriate when the medical record lacks sufficient detail to assign a more specific code within the D59 category.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of acquired hemolytic anemia (e.g., autoimmune, drug-induced) is documented; always code to the highest level of specificity.
• Review the entire medical record for clues regarding the etiology, such as medication lists, lab results (e.g., positive Coombs test), or physician notes, to potentially assign a more precise D59 subcategory.
• If the anemia is due to an adverse effect of a drug, also code the adverse effect of the drug (T36-T50 with 5th or 6th character 5).