Neonatal jaundice due to polycythemia

This code signifies jaundice in a newborn that is directly caused by an abnormally high red blood cell count (polycythemia). Neonatal polycythemia leads to increased bilirubin production from the breakdown of excess red blood cells, manifesting as yellowing of the skin and sclera.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly links neonatal jaundice to a diagnosis of polycythemia. This typically occurs in infants with hematocrit levels exceeding 65% or hemoglobin levels above 22 g/dL, accompanied by clinical signs of jaundice. Supporting documentation includes laboratory results confirming polycythemia and physician notes indicating the causal relationship.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states that polycythemia is the cause of the jaundice, not merely a co-occurring condition.
• Do not use this code for other causes of neonatal jaundice; specific codes exist for hemolytic disease, prematurity, or other etiologies.
• Consider sequencing this code after the code for neonatal polycythemia (P61.1) if the polycythemia is the primary reason for the encounter.