ICD-10 Coding for Vitamin B12 Deficiency(D51.0, D51.1, D51.2, D51.9, E53.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
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 anemia is due to intrinsic factor deficiency. |
|
| D51.1 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria | Use when anemia is due to selective malabsorption with proteinuria. |
|
| D51.2 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to transcobalamin II deficiency | Use when anemia is due to transcobalamin II deficiency. |
|
| D51.9 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified | Use when anemia is present but the specific cause is not documented. |
|
| E53.8 | Other specified vitamin B group deficiencies | Use when B12 deficiency is present without anemia. |
|
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 Vitamin B12 deficiency
Essential facts and insights about Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for deficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Intrinsic factor antibodies are positive.
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive intrinsic factor antibodies
- Abnormal Schilling test
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if intrinsic factor deficiency is not confirmed.
Coding Notes
- Ensure intrinsic factor deficiency is documented with lab confirmation.
D51.1 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria
Use when anemia is due to selective malabsorption with proteinuria.
Applicable To
- Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome
Excludes
- Other dietary B12 deficiency anemia (D51.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Proteinuria >300mg/day
- Genetic testing confirmation
Coding Notes
Document genetic testing results and proteinuria levels.
D51.2 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to transcobalamin II deficiency
Use when anemia is due to transcobalamin II deficiency.
Applicable To
- Transcobalamin II deficiency
Excludes
- Other dietary B12 deficiency anemia (D51.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Normal serum B12 with elevated MMA
- Genetic confirmation
Coding Notes
Document genetic testing and MMA levels.
D51.9 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified
Use when anemia is present but the specific cause is not documented.
Applicable To
- Unspecified B12 deficiency anemia
Excludes
- Other dietary B12 deficiency anemia (D51.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MCV >100 fL
- Low B12 (<200pg/mL) without known cause
Coding Notes
Use only when specific cause cannot be determined.
E53.8 - Other specified vitamin B group deficiencies
Use when B12 deficiency is present without anemia.
Applicable To
- Vitamin B12 deficiency without anemia
Excludes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- B12 <200pg/mL
- Neurological symptoms present
Coding Notes
Document neurological symptoms and B12 levels.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria
D51.1Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency
D51.0Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified
D51.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vitamin B12 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: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough patient history, Detailed symptom documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like D51.0 or D51.1 when cause is documented.
Impact
Frequent use of D51.9 without specific cause documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Encourage detailed documentation and use of specific codes.
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 Vitamin B12 Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Vitamin B12 Deficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurological symptoms with B12 deficiency
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Lab results
- Clinical findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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