Hemolytic disease of fetus or newborn due to Rh isoimmunization

This code describes a severe form of jaundice and anemia in a fetus or newborn resulting from an incompatibility between the mother's Rh-negative blood and the baby's Rh-positive blood. Maternal antibodies cross the placenta, attacking the fetal red blood cells and leading to hemolysis.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates Rh incompatibility as the cause of hemolytic disease in a fetus or neonate. This typically occurs in subsequent pregnancies after a sensitized Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. Documentation should specify Rh isoimmunization as the etiology.

• Distinguish from ABO incompatibility (773.1), which is a separate and often less severe condition.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "Rh isoimmunization" or "Rh incompatibility" as the cause.
• Consider sequencing with codes for associated conditions like hydrops fetalis or kernicterus, if present.