ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAnemia With Chronic Kidney Disease

Anemia With Chronic Kidney Disease

ICD-10 Coding for Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease(N18.1, N18.2, N18.3, N18.4, N18.5, N18.6, D63.1)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNephrology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Anemia With Chronic Kidney Disease?
Essential facts and insights about Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath.
  • Laboratory findings include low hemoglobin levels (typically < 13 g/dL in men and < 12 g/dL in women) and low hematocrit.
  • Physical examination may reveal signs of anemia such as pale conjunctiva and skin.
  • Imaging or procedural findings are not typically applicable but may include ultrasound of kidneys if structural abnormalities are suspected.
  • Severity criteria include staging of chronic kidney disease (CKD) from N18.1 to N18.6 based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Medical records must document the diagnosis of anemia and its relation to chronic kidney disease.
  • Specific terminology such as 'anemia due to chronic kidney disease' must be used.
  • Documentation examples include lab results showing low hemoglobin and GFR levels.
  • Medical necessity documentation should justify the need for treatment of anemia in the context of CKD.
  • Quality measure documentation needs to include monitoring of hemoglobin levels and CKD staging.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use this diagnosis code when a patient has anemia specifically attributed to chronic kidney disease.
  • Do NOT use this code for anemia due to other causes such as iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Comparison with related codes includes D63.1 (anemia in chronic disease) which may be used when CKD is not specified.
  • Common coding errors include failing to document the relationship between CKD and anemia.
  • Guidelines for code selection in complex cases involve ensuring all contributing factors to anemia are documented.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Specific conditions excluded include anemia due to acute blood loss or hemolysis.
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include D50 for iron deficiency anemia.
  • Conditions are excluded to ensure accurate representation of the underlying cause of anemia.
  • Common exclusion mistakes include misclassifying anemia as solely due to CKD without ruling out other causes.
  • Related but distinct conditions include anemia of chronic inflammation which may require different coding.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
D63.1
Anemia in chronic kidney disease
N18.1
Chronic kidney disease stage 1
Ancillary Codes
E83.1
Z79.2
Z99.2
Differential Codes
D64.9
D64.9
only when anemia is not linked to CKD.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Nephrology

Specialty Applications

  • Specific medical conditions include chronic kidney disease stages 1-5 with associated anemia.
  • Patient populations include adults with CKD, particularly those over 60 years old.
  • Clinical settings include outpatient nephrology clinics and inpatient hospital settings.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in nephrology and hematology.
  • Treatment contexts include management of anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron supplementation.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with anemia due to chronic kidney disease based on lab findings of low hemoglobin.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with anemia including fatigue and pallor, alongside CKD diagnosis.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for anemia met as evidenced by hemoglobin < 12 g/dL and GFR < 60 mL/min.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for anemia with iron supplementation and monitoring of hemoglobin levels.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for anemia due to CKD including regular hemoglobin checks and CKD management.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Documentation must include lab results indicating anemia and CKD staging.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

This diagnosis specifically links anemia to chronic kidney disease, unlike other types of anemia.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure that the relationship between CKD and anemia is clearly documented to support reimbursement.

What procedures are typically associated?

CPT codes for related procedures may include those for dialysis or administration of ESAs.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include tracking hemoglobin levels and CKD management outcomes.