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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia(D50.0, D50.8, D50.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Asiderotic AnemiaHypochromic Anemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia

D50-D53Primary Range

Nutritional Anemias

This range includes all types of nutritional anemias, with D50 specifically covering iron deficiency anemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D50.0Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)Use when anemia is due to chronic blood loss, with a documented source.
  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL
  • Documented chronic blood loss source
D50.8Other iron deficiency anemiasUse when anemia is due to non-bleeding causes like malabsorption.
  • Low serum iron
  • Elevated TIBC
D50.9Iron deficiency anemia, unspecifiedUse when the cause of iron deficiency anemia is unclear.
  • Microcytic anemia
  • Iron studies confirm deficiency

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 chronic iron deficiency anemia

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia

The ICD-10 code for chronic iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss is D50.0. Use D50.8 for other causes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronic blood loss with low ferritin levels.

Applicable To

  • Chronic blood loss anemia

Excludes

  • Acute posthemorrhagic anemia (D62)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL
  • Documented chronic blood loss source

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding acute blood loss as chronic.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure chronicity is documented and differentiate from acute cases.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified

K92.2
Use to specify the source of chronic blood loss.

Differential Codes

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

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia

D62
Use D62 for acute blood loss situations.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D50.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure all elements are documented., Educate providers on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use D64.81 for chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Impact

Failure to document the specific cause of anemia.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and checklists.

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 Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Iron Deficiency Anemia

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

Chronic IDA due to GI bleed

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Chronic blood loss source
  • Ferritin level
  • Iron studies

Example Documentation

Chronic iron deficiency anemia due to angiectasias confirmed on capsule endoscopy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anemia present; will start iron supplements.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic iron deficiency anemia secondary to confirmed menorrhagia, supported by ferritin 12 ng/mL.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and provides lab support.

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

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