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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume(D51.0, D53.1, R79.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

High MCVMacrocytosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume

D50-D53Primary Range

Nutritional anemias

This range includes codes for macrocytic anemia due to nutritional deficiencies such as B12 and folate.

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for abnormal lab findings such as elevated MCV without anemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D51.0Vitamin B12 deficiency anemiaUse when B12 deficiency is confirmed by lab tests and intrinsic factor antibodies.
  • Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
  • Intrinsic factor antibody positive
  • MCV >100 fL
D53.1Other megaloblastic anemias, not elsewhere classifiedUse when macrocytic anemia is present but specific cause is not identified.
  • MCV >100 fL
  • Exclusion of B12 and folate deficiencies
R79.89Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistryUse when MCV is elevated but no anemia is present.
  • MCV >100 fL
  • Normal hemoglobin levels

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 elevated MCV

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume

The ICD-10 code for elevated mean corpuscular volume without anemia is R79.89. For macrocytic anemia, use specific codes like D51.0 for B12 deficiency.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated mean corpuscular volume

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of neurological symptoms and macrocytic anemia.

Applicable To

  • Pernicious anemia

Excludes

  • Folate deficiency anemia (D52.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum B12 <200 pg/mL
  • Intrinsic factor antibody positive
  • MCV >100 fL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if intrinsic factor antibodies are not tested.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies B12 deficiency with lab confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry

R79.89
Use for elevated MCV without anemia.

Differential Codes

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

Folate deficiency anemia

D52.9
Use when serum folate is <4 ng/mL and B12 is normal.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

D51.0
Use when B12 deficiency is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume 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: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed lab results are included, Specify anemia type and cause

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Leads to inaccurate coding and potential audits., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm and document specific deficiencies like B12 or folate.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific deficiencies are known.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm and document specific deficiencies.

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 Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Pernicious Anemia Diagnosis

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Intrinsic factor antibody status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and macrocytic anemia. Labs show B12 150 pg/mL, intrinsic factor antibodies positive.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anemia present.
Good Documentation Example
Macrocytic anemia due to B12 deficiency confirmed by serum B12 levels <200 pg/mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and a clear diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume? Ask your questions below.

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