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ICD-10 Coding for Ferritin(D50.9, E61.1, E75.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ferritin. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Serum FerritinIron Storage Protein

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ferritin

D50-D53Primary Range

Nutritional anemias

Includes iron deficiency anemia, which is directly related to low ferritin levels.

Deficiency of other nutrients

Includes iron deficiency without anemia, relevant for isolated low ferritin.

Disorders of sphingolipid metabolism and other lipid storage disorders

Includes hereditary hemochromatosis, related to high ferritin levels.

Abnormal findings on examination of blood, without diagnosis

Includes abnormal ferritin levels without a specific diagnosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D50.9Iron deficiency anemia, unspecifiedUse when anemia is present with low ferritin levels and no specific cause is identified.
  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL
  • Low hemoglobin levels
E61.1Iron deficiencyUse for isolated iron deficiency without anemia.
  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL without anemia
E75.22Hereditary hemochromatosisUse when genetic testing confirms hereditary hemochromatosis.
  • Ferritin >300 ng/mL
  • Transferrin saturation >45%
  • Genetic confirmation (C282Y homozygosity)

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 iron deficiency anemia

Essential facts and insights about Ferritin

The ICD-10 code for iron deficiency anemia is D50.9, used when anemia is present with low ferritin levels and no specific cause is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ferritin

Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ferritin level below 30 ng/mL with symptoms of anemia.

Applicable To

  • Iron deficiency anemia NOS

Excludes

  • Anemia of chronic disease (D63.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL
  • Low hemoglobin levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cause is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies iron deficiency as the cause of anemia.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other abnormal blood chemistry findings

R79.89
Use for abnormal ferritin levels when no specific diagnosis is confirmed.

Fatty liver, not elsewhere classified

K76.0
Use when liver involvement is present with hemochromatosis.

Differential Codes

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

Anemia, unspecified

D64.9
Use D64.9 when anemia is present but ferritin levels are not indicative of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified

D50.9
Use D50.9 when anemia is present with iron deficiency.

Disorders of iron metabolism

E83.1
Use E83.1 for secondary hemochromatosis due to other conditions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ferritin to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D50.9.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of hereditary conditions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify genetic test results before coding., Include genetic test documentation in patient records.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if not paired correctly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair with D50.9 for iron deficiency anemia.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims without genetic proof., Compliance: Non-compliance with diagnostic criteria., Data Quality: Misleading data on hereditary conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure genetic testing confirms diagnosis before coding.

Impact

Coding iron deficiency anemia without proper lab documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results are documented and reviewed before coding.

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 Ferritin, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ferritin

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ferritin. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hematology consult for elevated ferritin

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Lab results
  • Genetic testing
  • Clinical findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and elevated ferritin. Lab: Ferritin 1,050 ng/mL, TSAT 52%. HFE genetic testing positive for C282Y homozygosity. Diagnosis: Hereditary hemochromatosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
High ferritin, monitor.
Good Documentation Example
Ferritin 650 ng/mL (ref <300) with normal CRP. TSAT 48%. Order HFE testing to evaluate for hereditary hemochromatosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and a clear plan for further evaluation.

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