Secondary polycythemia

Secondary polycythemia is a condition characterized by an elevated red blood cell count due to an underlying cause, rather than a primary bone marrow disorder. This increase in red blood cells is typically a physiological response to chronic hypoxia or other stimuli, leading to increased erythropoietin production. It is distinct from primary polycythemia, where the bone marrow itself is abnormal.

This code is appropriate for documenting polycythemia that is a consequence of another medical condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high altitude living, sleep apnea, or certain kidney diseases. Documentation should clearly indicate a secondary cause for the elevated red blood cell mass, often supported by laboratory findings showing increased hemoglobin and hematocrit.

• Ensure documentation specifies a secondary cause; otherwise, consider querying for clarification.
• Do not code this with polycythemia vera (D45) as they are mutually exclusive conditions.
• Code the underlying condition causing the secondary polycythemia first, followed by this code.