Plasma cell leukemia in relapse

This code represents plasma cell leukemia (PCL) that has recurred or progressed after a period of remission or treatment. PCL is an aggressive and rare form of multiple myeloma characterized by a high percentage of circulating plasma cells in the peripheral blood.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of plasma cell leukemia and specifies that the disease is currently in a state of relapse. This typically follows a period of treatment and subsequent remission, or a progression of the disease after initial therapy. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing disease progression, laboratory results showing increased circulating plasma cells, and bone marrow biopsy findings.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "in relapse" for plasma cell leukemia; do not assume relapse based on treatment alone.
• Distinguish carefully from multiple myeloma in relapse (C90.02) or other plasma cell neoplasms.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when managing complications related to the relapse.