What does ICD-10 code D46 mean?

ICD-10 code D46 is the standardized code used for myelodysplastic syndromes in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code D46 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code D46 when recording myelodysplastic syndromes in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code D46 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code D46: Myelodysplastic syndromes

Name: ICD-10 Code D46: Myelodysplastic syndromes
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:04:08.964Z

D46 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Myelodysplastic syndromes. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Neoplasms (C00-D49).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Neoplasms (C00-D49).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents myelodysplastic syndromes in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

2Neoplasms (C00-D49)

block

D37-D48Neoplasms of uncertain behavior, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes

currentD37-D48

Official coding notes

Applicable to

code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)

Excludes2 (may code together if documented)

drug-induced aplastic anemia (D61.1)

Use additional code

code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

OncologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

D3ABenign neuroendocrine tumors (D3A)

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

D46

Replacement codes

D46.0 — Refractory anemia without ring sideroblasts, so statedD46.1 — Refractory anemia with ring sideroblastsD46.4 — Refractory anemia, unspecifiedD46.9 — Myelodysplastic syndrome, unspecifiedD46.A — Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasiaD46.B — Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ring sideroblastsD46.C — Myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q) chromosomal abnormalityD46.Z — Other myelodysplastic syndromes

Common synonyms

Myelodysplastic syndromes

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.