D68.62

Billable

Lupus anticoagulant syndrome

HCC Category Mapping

V24HCC 48 — Coagulation Defects and Other Specified Hematological Disorders

0.209

ESRDHCC 48 — Coagulation Defects and Other Specified Hematological Disorders

0.000

What This Code Means

An autoimmune condition where antibodies against phospholipids interfere with blood clotting, paradoxically causing clots despite anticoagulant activity.

Coding Tips

•This is a specific type of antiphospholipid syndrome; document positive lupus anticoagulant test results
•Often associated with recurrent miscarriages and thrombosis; code related complications separately

Clinical Significance

Lupus anticoagulant syndrome refers to the presence of lupus anticoagulant antibodies that paradoxically prolong in vitro clotting tests (aPTT) while predisposing to in vivo thrombosis. Despite its name, it is not exclusive to lupus patients and can occur independently. The prolonged aPTT may cause confusion in perioperative or acute care settings where it could be mistaken for a bleeding risk.

Documentation Requirements

✓Document positive lupus anticoagulant on two occasions at least 12 weeks apart using validated assays (dilute Russell viper venom time, sensitive aPTT).
✓Record thrombotic history, association with SLE or other autoimmune conditions, and current anticoagulation management.
✓Note any confusion with bleeding risk due to prolonged aPTT.

Excludes 1 — Do NOT code together

lupus anticoagulant (LAC) finding without diagnosis (R76.0)

Excludes 2 — Not included here, may code separately

anticardiolipin syndrome (D68.61)
antiphospholipid syndrome (D68.61)
lupus anticoagulant (LAC) with hemorrhagic disorder (D68.312)

Commonly Confused Codes

D68.61 (Antiphospholipid syndrome) — broader diagnosis that may include lupus anticoagulant D68.312 (Antiphospholipid antibody with hemorrhagic disorder) — rare bleeding presentation M32.x (Systemic lupus erythematosus) — lupus anticoagulant does not require concurrent SLE diagnosis.