Name of the Condition

• Common Name(s): Elevated White Blood Cell Count
• Medical Term: Leukocytosis, Unspecified

Summary

• Elevated white blood cell count, unspecified, refers to having a higher than normal number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections and other diseases. An increase in WBCs can occur for several reasons and may not always indicate a serious health issue.

Causes

• The causes of an elevated white blood cell count can include infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), inflammation, stress, smoking, allergies, chronic bone marrow diseases, or conditions leading to increased demand for white blood cells.

Risk Factors

• Factors increasing the risk include infections, chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis), stress, smoking, reaction to medications, and existing hematologic disorders.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may not be evident, but when present could include fever, fatigue, weakness, or signs of infection and inflammation.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosed mainly through a complete blood count (CBC) test. Additional tests may be conducted depending on suspected underlying causes, such as blood smear, inflammatory markers, or infection screenings.

Treatment Options

• Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may involve antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory medications, or managing stress and other contributing factors. Sometimes observation is sufficient without specific treatment.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis varies depending on the underlying condition causing the leukocytosis. Regular follow-ups and monitoring of the blood count are crucial to ensure the condition is managed and does not progress.

Complications

• If not properly addressed, elevated white blood cell count can lead to complications related to the underlying cause, such as unchecked infections or further hematological issues.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Incorporating a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, adequate stress management, and smoking cessation, can help minimize risks. Preventing infections through good hygiene can also be beneficial.

When to Seek Professional Help

• It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent fever, unexplained fatigue, or any signs of infection or inflammation that are not improving.

Additional Resources

• American Society of Hematology: www.hematology.org
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.lls.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Accurately document any underlying conditions or symptoms associated with the elevated WBC count.
• Avoid common errors such as precoding without sufficient diagnostic information or specifying conditions not supported by the clinical documentation.