Bandemia

This code represents bandemia, an elevated number of immature neutrophils (band neutrophils) in the peripheral blood. It is often an indicator of an acute bacterial infection or an inflammatory process, as the bone marrow releases these immature cells in response to increased demand.

Assign this code when laboratory results confirm an increased percentage of band neutrophils in the absence of a confirmed infection or leukemia. Documentation should explicitly state "bandemia" or an elevated band count without a definitive diagnosis for the underlying cause.

• Do not code bandemia if a confirmed infection is documented; instead, code the specific infection.
• Exclude cases where leukemia is diagnosed, as specific leukemia codes take precedence.
• This code is typically used as a secondary diagnosis when the underlying cause is unknown or not yet confirmed.