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ICD-10 Coding for Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease(N18.6, D63.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anemia of ESRDRenal Anemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease

N18-N19Primary Range

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related conditions

This range includes codes for chronic kidney disease, which is the underlying condition for anemia in ESRD.

Anemia in chronic diseases classified elsewhere

This range includes codes for anemia associated with chronic diseases like CKD.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N18.6End stage renal diseaseUse when the patient has ESRD and requires dialysis.
  • Diagnosis of ESRD requiring dialysis
  • eGFR <15 mL/min
D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney diseaseUse when anemia is directly linked to CKD.
  • Hemoglobin <11 g/dL in women or <12 g/dL in men
  • Documented link between anemia and CKD

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: How do you code anemia in ESRD?

Essential facts and insights about Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease

For anemia in ESRD, use N18.6 for ESRD and D63.1 for anemia in CKD, ensuring proper sequencing and documentation of the causal relationship.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anemia esrd

End stage renal disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient diagnosed with ESRD and undergoing dialysis.

Applicable To

  • Chronic kidney disease stage 5 requiring chronic dialysis

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Diagnosis of ESRD requiring dialysis
  • eGFR <15 mL/min

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure ESRD is documented as requiring dialysis.

Coding Notes

  • Always sequence N18.6 before D63.1 when anemia is due to ESRD.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use to indicate the patient's dialysis status.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Anemia, unspecified

D64.9
Use D63.1 when anemia is specified as due to CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.6.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states the cause of anemia., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies anemia due to CKD.

Impact

Inadequate documentation linking anemia to CKD can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation explicitly links anemia to CKD.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Anemia in ESRD patient on dialysis

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Hemoglobin levels
  • Iron studies
  • ESA dosage
  • Linkage between anemia and ESRD

Example Documentation

Patient with ESRD on hemodialysis presents with fatigue. Hb 9.5 g/dL, ferritin 250 ng/mL, TSAT 25%. Diagnosed with anemia of ESRD. Plan: Adjust ESA dosage.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has anemia and CKD.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has anemia due to ESRD, Hb 9.5 g/dL, on dialysis.
Explanation
The good example provides a causal link and specific lab values.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease? Ask your questions below.

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