Summary & Overview
Chemotherapy with Acute Leukemia as Secondary Diagnosis without CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview
DRG 839 categorizes inpatient admissions for chemotherapy when acute leukemia is listed as a secondary diagnosis without Complication or Comorbidity or Major Complication or Comorbidity, defining a mid-level case mix. Proper assignment affects Medicare inpatient reimbursement by grouping chemotherapy resource use apart from higher-acuity leukemia admissions with documented complications.
DRG 839 Overview
DRG 839 covers inpatient stays where the principal reason includes chemotherapy and acute leukemia is present as a secondary diagnosis without a Complication or Comorbidity or Major Complication or Comorbidity. This Diagnosis-Related Group applies to patients receiving systemic anti-neoplastic therapy during an admission and distinguishes payment when acute leukemia does not add higher complication levels. It matters for Medicare payment because it groups clinical complexity tied to chemotherapy administration separately from higher-paying categories that require documented complications. Accurate coding of the principal procedure and secondary diagnosis is central to correct assignment and reimbursement.