Screening for other hemoglobinopathies

This code signifies a screening encounter for various inherited disorders affecting hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. These conditions include, but are not limited to, thalassemias (other than alpha or beta) and other rare hemoglobin variants that are not specifically coded elsewhere. The screening aims to identify individuals who may carry or be affected by these genetic conditions before symptoms arise.

Use this code when a patient undergoes screening for hemoglobinopathies other than sickle cell trait/disease or specified alpha/beta thalassemias. This often occurs during prenatal care, newborn screening programs, or when individuals from high-risk ethnic populations are tested. It is appropriate for asymptomatic individuals being screened, not for diagnostic work-up of symptomatic patients.

• Do not use this code for screening for sickle cell trait/disease or specific alpha/beta thalassemias, as those have dedicated screening codes.
• This code is for screening only; if a definitive diagnosis of a hemoglobinopathy is made, use the specific diagnosis code.
• Always code any abnormal findings or definitive diagnoses identified during the screening in addition to the screening code.