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ICD-10 Coding for Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease(N18.1, N18.2, N18.3, N18.4, N18.5, N18.6, D63.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anemia in CKDRenal Anemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease

N18.1-N18.6Primary Range

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-5 and End Stage Renal Disease

These codes are used to identify the stage of CKD, which is crucial for coding anemia in CKD.

D63.1Primary Range

Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

This code is used to specifically identify anemia as a complication of CKD.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N18.1Chronic kidney disease, stage 1Use when CKD stage 1 is documented.
  • GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²
N18.2Chronic kidney disease, stage 2Use when CKD stage 2 is documented.
  • GFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73m²
N18.3Chronic kidney disease, stage 3Use when CKD stage 3 is documented.
  • GFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73m²
N18.4Chronic kidney disease, stage 4Use when CKD stage 4 is documented.
  • GFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73m²
N18.5Chronic kidney disease, stage 5Use when CKD stage 5 is documented.
  • GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m²
N18.6End stage renal diseaseUse when ESRD is documented.
  • Patient on dialysis or GFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m²
D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney diseaseUse when anemia is documented in the context of CKD.
  • Hb <13 g/dL in men or <12 g/dL in women
  • GFR <60 mL/min/1.73m²

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: ICD-10 code for anemia with chronic kidney disease

Essential facts and insights about Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease

The ICD-10 code for anemia in chronic kidney disease is D63.1, used with CKD stage codes N18.1-N18.6.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anemia with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease, stage 1
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²

Applicable To

  • CKD stage 1

Excludes

  • Acute kidney failure (N17.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure CKD stage is documented to avoid incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • CKD stage must be documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Iron deficiency

E83.1
Use when iron deficiency is documented.

Long term (current) use of other agents affecting blood constituents

Z79.2
Use when ESA therapy is documented.

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use when patient is on dialysis.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified anemia

D64.9
Use D64.9 only when anemia is not linked to CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N18.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete patient records., Regulatory: May result in audit findings., Financial: Affects reimbursement accuracy.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document GFR and CKD stage.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May trigger audits due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always check the Alphabetic Index under 'Anemia → in CKD'.

Impact

Missing CKD stage can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure CKD stage is documented in all relevant notes.

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 with Chronic Kidney Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Inpatient Progress Note

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • CKD stage
  • Hb level
  • Iron studies
  • ESA therapy

Example Documentation

Assessment: CKD stage 4, Anemia in CKD (Hb 9.8 g/dL, ferritin 350 ng/mL, TSAT 18%), ESA-resistant anemia requiring IV iron.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anemia present, will transfuse.
Good Documentation Example
Symptomatic anemia (Hb 7.4) in ESRD (N18.6) requiring 2U PRBCs; no active bleeding.
Explanation
The good example specifies the anemia's relation to CKD and provides detailed lab values.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease? Ask your questions below.

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