ICD-10 Coding for Deficiency Anemia(D51.0, D51.1, D51.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Deficiency Anemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Deficiency Anemia
D50-D53Primary Range
Nutritional anemias
This range includes all nutritional anemias, such as those due to iron, vitamin B12, and folate 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 B12 deficiency is confirmed by intrinsic factor antibody positivity. |
|
| D51.1 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to dietary deficiency | Use when B12 deficiency is due to dietary insufficiency. |
|
| D51.9 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified | Use when B12 deficiency is confirmed but the cause is not specified. |
|
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 B12 deficiency anemia
Essential facts and insights about Deficiency Anemia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for deficiency anemia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of anti-intrinsic factor antibodies
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Anti-intrinsic factor antibodies
- Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
- Elevated methylmalonic acid (MMA)
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if intrinsic factor deficiency is not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure intrinsic factor deficiency is documented to avoid misclassification.
D51.1 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to dietary deficiency
Use when B12 deficiency is due to dietary insufficiency.
Applicable To
- Nutritional B12 deficiency
Excludes
- D51.0 (Intrinsic factor deficiency)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
- Dietary history indicating inadequate B12 intake
Coding Notes
Document dietary habits to support code selection.
D51.9 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified
Use when B12 deficiency is confirmed but the cause is not specified.
Applicable To
- Unspecified B12 deficiency
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
- No specific cause documented
Coding Notes
Investigate and document potential causes to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Atrophic gastritis
K29.40Differential 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 Deficiency Anemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D51.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough patient history, Complete laboratory workup
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of health data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies the type of anemia and its cause.
Impact
Using unspecified codes without investigating the cause.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation and investigation of anemia etiology.
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 Deficiency Anemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Deficiency Anemia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Deficiency Anemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Diagnosis of pernicious anemia
Specialty: HematologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Laboratory results
- Neurological examination
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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