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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesD51.8

D51.8

Billable

Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemias

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

Code Description

ICD-10 D51.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other vitamin b12 deficiency anemias.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemias encompass a range of conditions characterized by a decrease in red blood cell production due to inadequate levels of vitamin B12. This deficiency can arise from various causes, including malabsorption syndromes, dietary insufficiencies, or certain medications that interfere with vitamin B12 metabolism. Unlike classic pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune condition leading to intrinsic factor deficiency, other forms may include those resulting from gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, which impair nutrient absorption. Symptoms often include fatigue, weakness, pallor, and neurological manifestations such as numbness or tingling. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure vitamin B12 levels, complete blood count (CBC), and possibly additional tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment generally involves vitamin B12 supplementation, either orally or via intramuscular injections, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the deficiency. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels and vitamin B12 status is essential to ensure effective management and prevent complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of vitamin B12 deficiency anemias.
  • Understanding the underlying causes of the deficiency.
  • Interpreting laboratory results accurately.
  • Documenting the specific type of anemia and its etiology.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of the deficiency.
  • Failure to specify the type of anemia.
  • Incorrect coding of related conditions.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment efficacy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Hematology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of vitamin B12 levels and any co-existing conditions affecting absorption.

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal health, including history of surgeries or disorders affecting absorption.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with gastrointestinal disorders presenting with anemia symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document any diagnostic imaging or endoscopic findings that may indicate malabsorption.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use D51.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, D51
  • 8 should be used when the specific type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia does not fall under other defined categories
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause is documented and that the code reflects the specific type of anemia being treated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use D51.8 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 clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Hematologists may require additional tests to assess the type of anemia.

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 anemias, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. D51.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing clinical data collection.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin B12 deficiency anemias, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. D51.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing clinical data collection.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin B12 deficiency anemias, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. D51.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into more defined categories, enhancing clinical data collection.

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 are the common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency leading to D51.8?

Common causes include dietary insufficiency, malabsorption syndromes, certain medications, and gastrointestinal surgeries that affect nutrient absorption.