ICD-10 Coding for Cobalamin Deficiency(D51.0, D51.1, D51.8, D51.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cobalamin Deficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cobalamin Deficiency
D51.0-D51.9Primary Range
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
This range includes all codes related to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, including pernicious anemia and other specified and unspecified B12 deficiencies.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D51.0 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency | Use when pernicious anemia is confirmed with intrinsic factor deficiency. |
|
| D51.1 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria | Use for pediatric cases with selective B12 malabsorption and renal involvement. |
|
| D51.8 | Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemia | Use for B12 deficiencies due to non-autoimmune malabsorption. |
|
| D51.9 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified | Use when the specific cause of B12 deficiency is not determined. |
|
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 cobalamin deficiency
Essential facts and insights about Cobalamin Deficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cobalamin deficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of positive intrinsic factor antibody
documentation Criteria
- Documented autoimmune gastritis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells
- Positive intrinsic factor antibody
- Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
- MMA >0.4 µmol/L
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly using D51.9 when specific etiology is known.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation of intrinsic factor deficiency is present.
D51.1 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria
Use for pediatric cases with selective B12 malabsorption and renal involvement.
Applicable To
- Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome
Excludes
- Other specified vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Proteinuria >300 mg/day
- Genetic confirmation of cubilin/amnioless defects
- Serum B12 <150 pg/mL
Coding Notes
Ensure genetic testing results are documented.
D51.8 - Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Use for B12 deficiencies due to non-autoimmune malabsorption.
Applicable To
- B12 deficiency due to malabsorption not related to intrinsic factor
Excludes
- Pernicious anemia (D51.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented malabsorption risk (e.g., gastrectomy, chronic PPI use)
- Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation of malabsorption cause.
D51.9 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified
Use when the specific cause of B12 deficiency is not determined.
Excludes
- Pernicious anemia (D51.0)
- Other specified vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Low serum B12 without confirmed etiology
Coding Notes
Use as a last resort when specific causes are ruled out.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
R79.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cobalamin Deficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D51.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of lab results and clinical findings., Use templates to guide documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in denied claims or lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of medical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies the cause of B12 deficiency.
Impact
High risk of audit if D51.9 is used without proper justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure specific etiology is documented and coded appropriately.
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 Cobalamin Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cobalamin Deficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cobalamin Deficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Endocrinology Clinic Assessment
Specialty: EndocrinologyRequired Elements
- Serum B12 levels
- MMA and homocysteine levels
- Intrinsic factor antibody status
- Gastric pathology findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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