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ICD-10 Coding for Normocytic Anemia(D63.1, D63.8, D64.9)

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

Also known as:

Anemia of Chronic DiseaseAnemia in Chronic Illnessanemia in ckdanemia due to chronic blood loss

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Normocytic Anemia

D63-D64Primary Range

Other anemias

This range includes codes for various types of anemia, including normocytic anemia associated with chronic diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

CKD is a common underlying condition associated with normocytic anemia, requiring specific coding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney diseaseUse when normocytic anemia is directly linked to chronic kidney disease.
  • eGFR <60
  • Elevated creatinine
  • Proteinuria
D63.8Anemia in other chronic diseasesUse when normocytic anemia is linked to chronic diseases other than CKD.
  • CRP >10 mg/L
  • ESR >40 mm/hr
  • Active autoimmune disease
D64.9Anemia, unspecifiedUse only when specific anemia type cannot be determined.
  • Lack of specific anemia type documentation

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 normocytic anemia

Essential facts and insights about Normocytic Anemia

The ICD-10 code for normocytic anemia in chronic kidney disease is D63.1, and D63.8 for other chronic diseases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for normocytic anemia

Anemia in chronic kidney disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of CKD with normocytic anemia

Applicable To

  • Anemia due to CKD

Excludes

  • Anemia due to other chronic diseases (D63.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • eGFR <60
  • Elevated creatinine
  • Proteinuria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without CKD documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure CKD is documented as the underlying cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic kidney disease stages

N18.x
Use to specify the stage of CKD when coding D63.1.

Rheumatoid arthritis

M05.00-M06.9
Use to specify the underlying chronic disease.

Differential Codes

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

Anemia in other chronic diseases

D63.8
Use D63.8 when anemia is due to chronic diseases other than CKD.

Anemia in chronic kidney disease

D63.1
Use D63.1 when anemia is due to CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Normocytic Anemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D63.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Increases risk of audit, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific lab results to determine anemia type, Document the underlying cause of anemia

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement, Compliance: Increases risk of audit, Data Quality: Decreases specificity of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific type of anemia is documented and coded.

Impact

High risk of audit when using D64.9 without specific documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of anemia type and underlying conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Normocytic Anemia

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

Normocytic anemia in a patient with CKD

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Lab results
  • CKD stage
  • Anemia type

Example Documentation

Patient presents with normocytic anemia, MCV 89 fL, secondary to stage 3 CKD. Ferritin 120 ng/mL, transferrin 2.8 g/L.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anemia present.
Good Documentation Example
Normocytic anemia (MCV 88 fL) with ferritin 120 ng/mL, transferrin 2.8 g/L, CRP 15 mg/L – consistent with anemia of chronic inflammation secondary to active rheumatoid arthritis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and links anemia to a chronic condition.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Normocytic Anemia? Ask your questions below.

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