Basophilia

This code signifies an abnormally elevated count of basophils in the peripheral blood. Basophils are a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses, particularly allergic reactions and inflammation. Basophilia can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including myeloproliferative neoplasms, chronic inflammation, or allergic disorders.

Assign this code when medical record documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of basophilia. This typically occurs when laboratory results show an increased basophil count, and the clinician has confirmed this as a significant finding. Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of basophilia, often noted in hematology reports or physician notes.

• Do not code basophilia as a primary diagnosis if it is a symptom or finding of a more definitive underlying condition (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia).
• Always review the entire medical record to identify the underlying cause of basophilia, if documented, and code it first.
• Distinguish from other white blood cell abnormalities; this code is specific to basophils.