Decreased white blood cell count, unspecified

This code signifies a reduction in the total number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the peripheral blood, without further specification of the type of white blood cell affected or the underlying cause. It indicates a general leukopenia where the specific cell line (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes) or etiology is not documented.

Use this code when documentation indicates a low white blood cell count, but the specific type of leukopenia (e.g., neutropenia, lymphopenia) is not identified, or the provider has not determined the cause. This code is appropriate for initial findings or when a more specific diagnosis is pending or unknown.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies a particular type of leukopenia (e.g., neutropenia, agranulocytosis); instead, code to the more specific condition.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "decreased white blood cell count" or "leukopenia" without further detail to support this unspecified code.
• Remember the Excludes1 note: never code this alongside malignant leukopenia (D70.9).