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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD53.9

D53.9

Billable

Nutritional anemia, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D53.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nutritional anemia, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nutritional anemia, unspecified (ICD-10 code D53.9) refers to a condition characterized by a deficiency of essential nutrients required for the production of healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia. This type of anemia can arise from various nutritional deficiencies, including iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form, often resulting from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, or chronic blood loss. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can occur due to dietary insufficiency, particularly in vegetarians and vegans, or malabsorption conditions such as pernicious anemia. Folate deficiency anemia is frequently seen in individuals with poor dietary habits or increased physiological demands, such as during pregnancy. The clinical presentation of nutritional anemia may include fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and weakness. Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) and specific tests to identify nutrient deficiencies. Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying nutritional deficiency through dietary modifications, supplementation, and addressing any underlying causes of malabsorption.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of nutritional deficiencies that can lead to anemia.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to identify specific deficiencies.
  • Differentiation from other types of anemia (e.g., hemolytic, aplastic).
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of dietary intake.
  • Lack of laboratory results supporting the diagnosis.
  • Failure to specify the type of nutritional deficiency.
  • Inadequate follow-up documentation on treatment efficacy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed lab results, patient history, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue and pallor, requiring differential diagnosis of anemia types.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all relevant lab tests and dietary assessments.

Nutrition

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of dietary habits, nutritional intake, and recommendations for dietary changes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with identified nutritional deficiencies requiring dietary counseling.

Billing Considerations

Document specific dietary recommendations and patient compliance.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D53.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, D53
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of nutritional anemia is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and laboratory findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D53.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

85025CPT Code

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate anemia and determine the need for further testing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the CBC and any 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 nutritional anemias, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. D53.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified nutritional anemia, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nutritional anemias, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. D53.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified nutritional anemia, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nutritional anemias, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. D53.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified nutritional anemia, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

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 difference between D53.9 and D50?

D53.9 is used for unspecified nutritional anemia, while D50 is specifically for iron deficiency anemia. If the type of anemia is known, the more specific code should be used.