Autoimmune hemolytic anemias

This code represents a group of conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells, leading to anemia. This destruction is mediated by autoantibodies, resulting in a shortened red blood cell lifespan.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, such as warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) or cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Supporting documentation often includes positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT/Coombs test), evidence of hemolysis (e.g., elevated LDH, decreased haptoglobin), and exclusion of other causes of anemia.

• Differentiate from other types of hemolytic anemias (e.g., drug-induced, hereditary spherocytosis) which have distinct codes.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Look for specific types of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the documentation; if specified, consider if a more precise ICD-9-CM code exists (though 283.0 is often the most specific for general autoimmune types).