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ICD-10 Coding for Low Ferritin(E83.1, D50.8)

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

Also known as:

Iron Deficiency without AnemiaIsolated Low Ferritin

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Ferritin

E83.1Primary Range

Disorders of iron metabolism

Primary code for isolated low ferritin without anemia.

Iron deficiency anemias

Used when low ferritin is associated with anemia.

Abnormal blood chemistry

Used for abnormal iron studies without confirmed deficiency.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E83.1Disorders of iron metabolismUse when low ferritin is confirmed without anemia.
  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL
  • Normal hemoglobin levels
  • Symptoms such as fatigue or pica
D50.8Other iron deficiency anemiasUse when anemia is confirmed with low ferritin.
  • Ferritin <12 ng/mL
  • Hemoglobin <12 g/dL (F) / <13 g/dL (M)

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 low ferritin

Essential facts and insights about Low Ferritin

The ICD-10 code for low ferritin without anemia is E83.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low ferritin

Disorders of iron metabolism
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL with normal hemoglobin

Applicable To

  • Isolated low ferritin without anemia

Excludes

  • Iron deficiency anemia (D50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ferritin <30 ng/mL
  • Normal hemoglobin levels
  • Symptoms such as fatigue or pica

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if anemia is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of anemia.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other fatigue

R53.83
Use to document fatigue associated with low ferritin.

Differential Codes

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

Other iron deficiency anemias

D50.8
Use when anemia is present with low ferritin.

Disorders of iron metabolism

E83.1
Use when low ferritin is present without anemia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low Ferritin to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E83.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in documentation, Verify documentation before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denials if not coded correctly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E83.1 for isolated low ferritin without anemia.

Impact

Using R79.0 instead of E83.1 for low ferritin

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on correct code selection

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

Documentation Templates for Low Ferritin

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

Non-anemic iron deficiency

Specialty: Hematology

Required Elements

  • Ferritin level
  • Hemoglobin level
  • Symptoms
  • Inflammation markers

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue. Labs show ferritin 18 ng/mL, hemoglobin 13.5 g/dL. Diagnosis: E83.1.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low iron levels noted.
Good Documentation Example
Fatigue with ferritin 18 ng/mL, normal hemoglobin 13.5 g/dL. Diagnosis: E83.1.
Explanation
Good example provides specific lab values and diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Low Ferritin? Ask your questions below.

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