Transfusion associated circulatory overload

This code signifies a condition where a patient experiences respiratory distress and other signs of fluid overload due to a rapid or excessive transfusion of blood products. It is a non-allergic transfusion reaction characterized by acute pulmonary edema and increased central venous pressure.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) following the administration of blood or blood components. Supporting documentation should include signs and symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, elevated blood pressure, and evidence of pulmonary edema on imaging, directly attributed to the transfusion.

• Always sequence this code after the code for the underlying condition necessitating the transfusion.
• Differentiate carefully from transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), which involves non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
• Ensure documentation specifies "circulatory overload" and not just a general "transfusion reaction" to support this specific code.