ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for variants
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Variants, thalassemic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding variants
The ICD-10-CM code for variants is D56.8 (Other thalassemias).
Within D56, choose D56.8 (Other thalassemias) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: alpha thalassemia (D56.0), beta thalassemia (D56.1), Delta-beta thalassemia (D56.2), minor (D56.3), hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin [HPFH] (D56.4), hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia (D56.5) and unspecified (D56.9).
Don't report D56.8 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: hemoglobin C disease (D58.2), hemoglobin E disease (D58.2), other hemoglobinopathies (D58.2), sickle-cell anemia (D57.-) and 1 more.
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for D56.8)
Common questions about variants ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for variants?
- D56.8 — Other thalassemias.
Is D56.8 billable?
- Yes. D56.8 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can D56.8 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict D56.8 as a principal diagnosis.
Is D56.8 a CC or MCC?
- No. D56.8 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.