ICD-10 Coding for Folic Acid Deficiency(D52.9, D52.0, D52.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Folic Acid Deficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Folic Acid 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D52.9 | Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified | Use when the cause of folate deficiency anemia is not specified. |
|
| D52.0 | Dietary folate deficiency anemia | Use when folate deficiency anemia is due to inadequate dietary intake. |
|
| D52.1 | Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia | Use when folate deficiency anemia is due to medication use. |
|
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 folic acid deficiency
Essential facts and insights about Folic Acid Deficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for folic acid deficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of macrocytic anemia with low serum folate levels.
Applicable To
- Unspecified folate deficiency anemia
Excludes
- Folate deficiency without anemia (E53.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum folate <4 ng/mL
- MCV >100 fL
- Exclusion of B12 deficiency
Code-Specific Risks
- Using this code when the cause is known can lead to inaccurate coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the specific cause if known to avoid using unspecified codes.
D52.0 - Dietary folate deficiency anemia
Use when folate deficiency anemia is due to inadequate dietary intake.
Applicable To
- Folate deficiency anemia due to inadequate dietary intake
Excludes
- Folate deficiency without anemia (E53.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum folate <4 ng/mL
- Dietary history indicating poor intake
Coding Notes
Document dietary habits clearly to support this code.
D52.1 - Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia
Use when folate deficiency anemia is due to medication use.
Applicable To
- Folate deficiency anemia due to medication use
Excludes
- Folate deficiency without anemia (E53.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum folate <4 ng/mL
- History of medication use known to affect folate levels
Coding Notes
Link the specific drug to the deficiency for accurate coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Long-term (current) drug therapy
Z79.899Differential 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 Folic Acid Deficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D52.9.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document dietary and medication history., Use specific codes when cause is known.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Document and code the specific cause of folate deficiency.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document specific causes and use appropriate 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 Folic Acid Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Folic Acid Deficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Folic Acid Deficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Primary Care Progress Note
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Lab results
- Clinical symptoms
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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