Name of the Condition

• Other Elevated White Blood Cell Count
• ICD-10 Code: D72.828

Summary

Other elevated white blood cell count (D72.828) is a condition characterized by an increased number of white blood cells, also known as leukocytosis, not specified by other specific codes. White blood cells are crucial for the body's immune response, and their elevated levels can indicate various underlying conditions or react to physical or environmental stressors.

Causes

• Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
• Inflammation (arthritis, allergies)
• Stress or physical exertion
• Reaction to certain medications
• Bone marrow disorders

Risk Factors

• Recent infections or chronic inflammatory conditions
• Stressful situations, surgery, or trauma
• Use of corticosteroids or other specific medications
• Having an autoimmune or marrow-related disease

Symptoms

• May often not cause symptoms directly
• Associated symptoms of underlying conditions, such as fever, fatigue, or pain in specific areas
• Swelling or inflammation may be present depending on the cause

Diagnosis

• Complete blood count (CBC) to measure white blood cell levels
• Further tests (e.g., blood smears, bone marrow biopsy) to determine underlying causes
• Patient history and physical examination

Treatment Options

• Treatment focuses on the underlying cause:
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammation
  • Adjusting medications that may contribute to leukocytosis
• Regular monitoring to assess white blood cell counts over time

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Highly dependent on the underlying cause
• Generally, prognosis is good when the cause is effectively treated
• Regular check-ups are essential to monitor and address any reoccurrence or new developments

Complications

• Persistent leukocytosis may signal untreated underlying conditions
• Potential for complications from those conditions, such as organ damage from prolonged inflammation

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Stress management techniques to prevent stress-related leukocytosis
• Routine medical check-ups to manage chronic conditions

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden or unexplained changes in health, including fever, fatigue, or persistent signs of infection
• Regular medical evaluation if diagnosed with a chronic condition known to affect white blood cell count

Additional Resources

• American Society of Hematology (hematology.org)
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org)
• Mayo Clinic's page on leukocytosis (mayoclinic.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of the cause to differentiate D72.828 from other specific leukocytosis codes
• Verify if the condition is a temporary reaction or indicative of a chronic issue to avoid miscoding
• Stay updated on ICD code revisions for precise coding