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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD51.1

D51.1

Billable

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 D51.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vitamin b12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin b12 malabsorption with proteinuria.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia characterized by a decrease in red blood cell production due to insufficient vitamin B12. This specific code, D51.1, indicates that the deficiency is due to selective malabsorption of vitamin B12, which can occur in conditions such as pernicious anemia or intestinal disorders. The presence of proteinuria suggests renal involvement, which may complicate the clinical picture. Patients may present with symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, glossitis, and neurological manifestations due to the role of vitamin B12 in nerve function. Diagnosis typically involves serum vitamin B12 levels, complete blood count (CBC), and possibly a Schilling test to assess absorption. Treatment usually includes vitamin B12 supplementation, either orally or via intramuscular injections, depending on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause of malabsorption.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of vitamin B12 metabolism and absorption mechanisms.
  • Differentiation from other types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia.
  • Need for documentation of proteinuria and its clinical significance.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of malabsorption etiology.
  • Failure to document proteinuria and its relevance.
  • Misclassification of anemia type.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, including vitamin B12 levels and CBC.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, pallor, and neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the cause of malabsorption and any renal implications.

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of proteinuria and its clinical implications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease presenting with anemia.

Billing Considerations

Document any renal function tests and their correlation with anemia.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D51.1 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency and any associated conditions such as proteinuria
  • Include relevant lab results and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D51.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with automated differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate anemia and monitor treatment response.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC and any relevant findings.

Specialty Considerations

Hematology specialists should ensure all relevant lab results are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of malabsorption and associated conditions like proteinuria. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of malabsorption and associated conditions like proteinuria. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of malabsorption and associated conditions like proteinuria. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of proteinuria in D51.1?

Proteinuria indicates renal involvement, which may complicate the anemia and requires careful monitoring and management.