Jaundice, unspecified, not of newborn

This code signifies a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, where the underlying cause is not yet determined. It represents a symptom rather than a definitive diagnosis, indicating a need for further investigation into the etiology of the hyperbilirubinemia.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "jaundice, unspecified" or "hyperbilirubinemia, unspecified" in an adult or child beyond the neonatal period. This code is appropriate when the physician has not yet identified the specific cause of the jaundice, such as hepatic, post-hepatic, or pre-hepatic etiologies.

• Always strive for a more specific code if the underlying cause of the jaundice is known (e.g., obstructive jaundice, hemolytic jaundice).
• Do not use this code for jaundice in a newborn (0-28 days old); specific codes exist for neonatal jaundice.
• This code will typically be a primary diagnosis when the patient presents solely for evaluation of the jaundice, or a secondary diagnosis if the jaundice is a symptom of another primary condition under investigation.