Nutritional anemias
ICD-10 Codes (18)
D51D51.0D51.1D51.2D51.3D51.8D51.9D52D52.0D52.1D52.8D52.9D53D53.0D53.1D53.2D53.8D53.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for D50-D53 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 category D50-D53 encompasses codes for various types of nutritional anemias. These codes are used to document conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, other nutritional anemias, and certain other nutritional deficiencies. The codes in this range are important for accurately documenting patient conditions, tracking epidemiological trends, and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for medical services.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always use specific codes that best describe the patient's condition.
- •Use additional codes, if necessary, to identify any associated conditions.
- •Consider the patient's age and gender when coding, as some nutritional anemias are more common in certain populations.
- •Always verify the code in the Tabular List before assigning it.
- •Remember that these codes can be used in any healthcare setting.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms of anemia and lab tests confirm a nutritional deficiency.
- ✓When a patient has a known nutritional deficiency and is being treated for it.
- ✓When a patient's anemia is due to a nutritional deficiency, such as a lack of iron or vitamin B12.
- ✓When a patient has a nutritional deficiency that is causing other health problems.
- ✓When a patient is being monitored for the effectiveness of treatment for a nutritional anemia.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient's anemia is due to a cause other than a nutritional deficiency.
- ✗When a patient has a nutritional deficiency but no symptoms of anemia.
- ✗When a patient is being treated for anemia but the cause has not been determined.
- ✗When a patient has symptoms of anemia but lab tests have not confirmed a nutritional deficiency.
- ✗When a patient's anemia is due to a chronic disease rather than a nutritional deficiency.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the Tabular List before assigning a code.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for nutritional anemias should include a clear diagnosis, the specific type of anemia, the cause if known, and any associated conditions. The patient's symptoms, lab results, and response to treatment should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of nutritional anemia
- •Cause of the anemia, if known
- •Associated conditions
- •Patient's symptoms
- •Lab results
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports confirming the anemia and the nutritional deficiency
- •Notes from the patient's medical history
- •Notes on the patient's response to treatment
- •Any relevant imaging reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with fatigue and pallor. Lab tests confirm iron deficiency anemia. Patient is started on iron supplements.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has anemia.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not documenting the specific type of nutritional anemia
- ⚠Not including lab results in the documentation
- ⚠Not documenting the patient's response to treatment
- ⚠Not documenting any associated conditions
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for nutritional anemias can be moderately complex due to the need to accurately identify the specific type of anemia, any associated conditions, and interpret lab results. Coders also need to stay current with changes in coding guidelines and have a good understanding of the clinical aspects of nutritional anemias.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of nutritional anemia
- ▸Identifying any associated conditions
- ▸Interpreting lab results
- ▸Keeping up to date with changes in coding guidelines
- ▸Understanding the clinical aspects of nutritional anemias
Specialty Focus
Nutritional anemias are commonly encountered in primary care, gastroenterology, and hematology. These specialists need to be familiar with the D50-D53 codes to accurately document patient conditions.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with fatigue and pallor. Lab tests confirm iron deficiency anemia.
- • A patient with celiac disease has a vitamin B12 deficiency causing anemia.
- • A patient is being monitored for the effectiveness of treatment for iron deficiency anemia.
- • A patient with a known iron deficiency is being treated to prevent anemia.
- • A patient's anemia is not responding to treatment and further testing is done to determine the cause.
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coding nutritional anemias. These include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference books, and educational materials from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 guidelines
- National Center for Health Statistics ICD-10 guidelines
- American Health Information Management Association's coding resources
Clinical References:
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- American Society of Hematology's resources on anemia
- National Institutes of Health's information on nutritional anemias
Educational Materials:
- American Academy of Professional Coders' educational resources
- American Health Information Management Association's coding education materials
- Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a D50-D53 code if the patient's anemia is due to a chronic disease?
No, anemia due to chronic diseases such as kidney disease or neoplastic disease has its own specific codes in the D63 category.
What if the patient has a nutritional deficiency but no symptoms of anemia?
In this case, you would use a code from the E50-E64 range for nutritional deficiencies.
Do I need to document the patient's response to treatment?
Yes, documenting the patient's response to treatment is important for tracking the effectiveness of the treatment and for future care planning.