C81.30

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A rare type of Hodgkin lymphoma with lymphocyte depletion affecting an unspecified lymph node location.

Coding Tips

• •Use only when the specific site of lymph node involvement is not documented
• •Attempt to obtain more specific site information when possible for better coding accuracy

Clinical Significance

Lymphocyte depleted Hodgkin lymphoma is the rarest and most aggressive subtype of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for less than 1% of cases. It is frequently associated with advanced-stage disease and a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes. The unspecified site designation indicates the anatomic location was not documented, reducing clinical data quality. These patients typically require intensive chemotherapy regimens.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Pathology report confirming lymphocyte depleted subtype (predominance of Reed-Sternberg cells with scant background lymphocytes)
• ✓Documentation of the disease site — if available, use a site-specific code instead of unspecified
• ✓Ann Arbor staging and B-symptom status
• ✓HIV status, as lymphocyte depleted subtype is more common in immunocompromised patients
• ✓Active treatment status and provider assessment during the encounter

Commonly Confused Codes