ICD-10 Codes For Anemia – Everything You Need To Know

This blog explores everything you need to know about anemia, from types and symptoms to specific ICD-10 codes. It also covers coding guidelines, challenges, and how CloudRCM can help address these challenges.

What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when you have a lower ratio of red blood cells than normal or when your red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin. This condition leads to reduced oxygen flow to your body’s organs.  

Anemia Symptoms are fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. As healthcare providers, you must recognize these signs early to manage your patients’ treatment plan. 

Commonly Used ICD-10 & ICD-9 Codes For Anemia

Here are the different types of anemia. Let’s explore what symptoms they have and how you can get benefit from them.

1. Nutritional Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D50-D53

Nutritional anemia is a type of anemia that occurs due to a deficiency in nutrients essential for red blood cell production. Further nutritional anemia has types that are mentioned here.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D50

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, which is caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body that is needed to make hemoglobin. 

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and a cold feeling in the hands and feet.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

 

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)	D50.0	280.0	Yes
Sideropenic dysphagia	D50.1	280.8	Yes
Other iron deficiency anemias	D50.8	280.1/280.8	Yes
Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified	D50.9	280.9	Yes

 

• Vitamin B12 deficiency Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D51

This type of anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for body functions such as the production of red blood cells. 

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and difficulty concentrating.
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Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency	D51.0	281.0	Yes
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria	D51.1	281.1	Yes
Transcobalamin II deficiency	D51.2	281.1	Yes
Other dietary vitamin B12 deficiency anemia	D51.3	281.1	Yes
Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemias	D51.8	281.1	Yes
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified	D51.9	281.1	Yes

• Folate-deficiency Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D52

This type of anemia is caused by a lack of folate (vitamin B9). Folate is important for the production of red blood cells. 

Symptoms of folate deficiency anemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Dietary folate deficiency anemia	D52.0	281.2	Yes
Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia	D52.1	281.2	Yes
Other folate deficiency anemias	D52.8	281.2	Yes
Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified	D52.9	281.2	Yes

 

• Other Nutritional Anemias

Code transition:  ICD-10: D53

This type is about when a nutritional anemia is present but the specific nutrient deficiency is unknown.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Protein deficiency anemia	D53.0	281.4	Yes
Other megaloblastic anemias, not elsewhere classified	D53.1	281.3	Yes
Scorbutic anemia	D53.2	281.2	Yes
Other specified nutritional anemias	D53.8	281.8	Yes
Nutritional anemia, unspecified	D53.9	281.9	Yes

 

2. Hemolytic Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D55-59

Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. There are many different causes of hemolytic anemia, like autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain medications. 

Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark urine. Further nutritional anemia has types that are mentioned here.

Billable: No

• Anemia Due to Enzyme Disorders

Code transition:  ICD-10: D55

Anemia due to enzyme disorders is a genetic condition where the body lacks certain enzymes that keep red blood cells healthy. Without these enzymes, red blood cells break down too early.

The symptoms of anemia due to an enzyme disorder are tiredness, paleness, rapid heart rate, and yellowing of the skin.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency	D55.0	282.2	Yes
Anemia due to other disorders of glutathione metabolism	D55.1	282.2	Yes
Anemia due to disorders of glycolytic enzymes	D55.2	NA	Yes
Anemia due to pyruvate kinase deficiency	D55.21	NA	Yes
Anemia due to other disorders of glycolytic enzymes	D55.29	NA	Yes
Anemia due to disorders of nucleotide metabolism	D55.3	282.3	Yes
Other anemias due to enzyme disorders	D55.8	282.3	Yes
Anemia due to enzyme disorder, unspecified	D55.9	282.3	Yes

 

• Thalassemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D56

Thalassemia is a group of genetic disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin. There are different types of thalassemia, and the symptoms can vary depending on the type. 

Symptoms of thalassemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, slow growth, and bone problems.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Alpha thalassemia	D56.0	282.43	Yes
Beta thalassemia	D56.1	282.44	Yes
Delta-beta thalassemia	D56.2	282.45	Yes
Thalassemia minor	D56.3	242.46	Yes
Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin [HPFH]	D56.4	282.7	Yes
Hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia	D56.5	282.47	Yes
Other thalassemias	D56.8	282.49	Yes
Thalassemia, unspecified	D56.9	282.40	Yes

 

• Sickle Cell Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D57

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder because red blood cells are sickle-shaped. Sickle-shaped cells can block blood vessels, which can be a cause of pain and other problems. 

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia are fatigue, pain, shortness of breath, frequent infections, and delayed growth.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Hb-SS disease with crisis	D57.0	NA	No
Sickle-cell disease without crisis	D57.1	282.61	Yes
Sickle-cell/Hb-C disease	D57.2	NA	No
Sickle-cell trait	D57.3	282.5	Yes
Sickle-cell thalassemia	D57.4	NA	No
Sickle-cell thalassemia without crisis	D57.40	282.41	Yes
Sickle-cell thalassemia, unspecified, with crisis	D57.41	NA	No
beta zero without crisis	D57.42	NA	Yes
Sickle-cell thalassemia beta zero with crisis	D57.43	NA	No
beta plus without crisis	D57.44	NA	Yes
Sickle-cell thalassemia beta plus with crisis	D57.45	NA	No
Other sickle-cell disorders	D57.8	NA	No
without crisis	D57.80	282.68	Yes
Other sickle-cell disorders with crisis	D57.81	NA	No

• Other Hereditary Hemolytic Anemias

Code transition:  ICD-10: D58

Other hereditary hemolytic anemias have a range of genetic disorders that are the cause of red blood cells breaking down prematurely. 

This breakdown has symptoms such as fatigue, pale or yellow skin, dark urine, and an enlarged spleen.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Hereditary spherocytosis	D58.0	282.0	Yes
Hereditary elliptocytosis	D58.1	282.1	Yes
Other hemoglobinopathies	D58.2	282.7	Yes
Other specified hereditary hemolytic anemias	D58.8	282.8	Yes
Hereditary hemolytic anemia, unspecified	D58.9	282.9	Yes

 

• Acquired Hemolytic Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D59

Acquired hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than their production. But it is not the cause of genetic defects. This is because of infections, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases. 

Symptoms of acquired hemolytic anemia are weakness, dizziness, an increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia	D59.0	283.0	Yes
Other autoimmune hemolytic anemias	D59.1	NA	No
Drug-induced nonautoimmune hemolytic anemia	D59.2	283.19	Yes
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome	D59.3	NA	No
Other nonautoimmune hemolytic anemias	D59.4	283.10	Yes
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria [Marchiafava-Micheli]	D59.5	283.2	Yes
Hemoglobinuria due to hemolysis from other external causes	D59.6	283.2	Yes
Other acquired hemolytic anemias	D59.8	283.2	Yes
Acquired hemolytic anemia, unspecified	D59.9	283.9	Yes

 

3. Aplastic Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D60-64

Aplastic anemia is a serious type of anemia that happens when the body stops producing enough red blood cells. The cause of aplastic anemia is often unknown, but the causes behind it are medications, infections, or autoimmune diseases. 

Symptoms of aplastic anemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, frequent infections, and easy bleeding. As aplastic anemia further types that are given below.

• Acquired Pure Red Cell Aplasia (Erythroblastopenia)

Code transition:  ICD-10: D60

Acquired pure red cell aplasia is a rare type of anemia due to the failure of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. This reduces the red blood cells.

Its symptoms are severe fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Chronic acquired pure red cell aplasia	D60.0	284.81	Yes
Transient acquired pure red cell aplasia	D60.1	284.81	Yes
Other acquired pure red cell aplasias	D60.8	284.81	Yes
Acquired pure red cell aplasia, unspecified	D60.8	284.81	Yes

 

• Other Aplastic Anemias and Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Code transition:  ICD-10: D61

These conditions occur when the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells that affect red cells, white cells, and platelets. 

This brings fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bleeding to the human body.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Constitutional aplastic anemia	D61.0	NA	No
Drug-induced aplastic anemia	D61.1	284.89	Yes
Aplastic anemia due to other external agents	D61.2	284.89	Yes
Idiopathic aplastic anemia	D61.3	284.89	Yes
Other specified aplastic anemias and other bone marrow failure syndromes	D61.8	NA	No
Aplastic anemia, unspecified	D61.9	284.89	Yes

 

• Acute Posthemorrhagic Anemia

Code transition:  ICD-10: D62 – ICD-9: 285.1

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia is due to the sudden loss of a large amount of blood. This drops red blood cells and hemoglobin levels in the human body. 

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia symptoms are dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and pale skin.

Billable: Yes

• Anemia in Chronic Diseases Classified Elsewhere 

Code transition:  ICD-10: D63

This type of anemia occurs because of complications of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders. 

It has symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, often related to the underlying chronic condition.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Anemia in neoplastic disease	D63.0	285.22	Yes
Anemia in chronic kidney disease	D63.1	285.21	Yes
Anemia in other chronic diseases classified elsewhere	D63.8	285.29	Yes

 

• Other Anemias

Code transition:  ICD-10: D64

This category has various types of anemia not specifically classified elsewhere. Common symptoms are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. 

The cause and specific symptoms can vary based on the type of anemia.

Billable: No

Sub- Categories

Type	ICD-10 Codes	ICD-9 Codes	Billable
Hereditary sideroblastic anemia	D64.0	285.0	Yes
Secondary sideroblastic anemia due to disease	D64.1	285.0	Yes
Secondary sideroblastic anemia due to drugs and toxins	D64.2	285.0	Yes
Other sideroblastic anemias	D64.3	285.0	Yes
Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia	D64.4	285.8	Yes
Other specified anemias	D64.8		No
Anemia due to antineoplastic chemotherapy	D64.81	285.3	Yes
Other specified anemias	D64.89	285.8	Yes
Anemia, unspecified	D64.9	285.9	Yes

Coding Guidelines and Considerations for Anemia

When you try to code for anemia, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and proper documentation. Here are some key considerations:

• Specificity

You should code anemia with the highest level of detail provided. These details include the type of anemia, such as iron deficiency, aplastic, or hemolytic. Accurate ICD-10 coding delivers appropriate patient care and correct reimbursement.

• Underlying Cause

There is a need to identify and code the underlying cause of anemia. For example, if anemia is due to chronic kidney disease, So you should code for kidney disease first. Through this, you will judge the patient’s health condition and plan the right treatment.

• Sequencing

As a healthcare provider, you must follow the correct sequencing rules for coding anemia. If anemia is a complication of another condition, then list the primary conditions first. For instance, if a patient has anemia due to cancer, So it’s necessary to code the cancer diagnosis before the anemia. This produces clarity in medical records and accurate medical billing.

Challenges in Coding Anemia

When you code for anemia, you may face several challenges. These challenges affect the accuracy of ICD-10 codes for anemia and patient care. Here are three key areas to consider:

• Accurate Documentation

Accurate documentation is the basic component of anemia coding. You must record detailed patient information, such as the specific type of anemia and its causes. Incomplete documentation leads to incorrect ICD-10 codes for anemia, which can affect patient care and reimbursement. Proper documentation delivers accurate coding and effective treatment plans.

• Complex Coding Rules

Anemia coding has complex ICD-10 coding rules. Different anemia types and causes require specific codes and proper sequencing. If you ignore these rules, then it will be the cause of coding errors that lead to denied claims or incorrect treatment plans. 

• Identifying Underlying Conditions

For healthcare providers, it’s quite challenging to identify and code the underlying conditions. Chronic diseases or nutritional deficiencies often cause anemia. Accurate coding for primary conditions provides a detailed picture of the patient’s health. 

How will CloudRCM be effective for the Anemia coding challenges?

CloudRCM offers effective solutions for the challenges of anemia coding. Here’s how we will address anemia-coding challenges.

• Enhanced Accuracy

CloudRCM will improve the accuracy of anemia coding with a detailed documentation process. Our automated billing system captures the specific type and cause of anemia. With accurate ICD-10 codes for anemia, you can focus on proper patient care and reimbursement.

• Simplified Coding Rules

CloudRCM simplifies complex ICD-10 coding rules for anemia. The Anemia Coding System provides clear guidelines and prompts to select the correct codes. This will be effective in avoiding errors and ensuring proper sequencing. The system streamlines the coding process and can make it easier for healthcare providers.

• Identifying Underlying Conditions

CloudRCM finds out the coding underlying conditions causing anemia. We integrate patient history and diagnoses to help you pinpoint primary conditions. Accurate coding of these conditions provides a complete picture of the patient’s health. This supports appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

The Bottom Line

ICD-10 codes as well as ICD-9 codes for anemia are helpful for accurate diagnosis and medical coding. It ensures proper patient care and correct medical billing. With detailed documentation and correct coding rules, healthcare providers can manage anemia more effectively.

CloudRCM is a top choice for anemia coding services. Explore CloudRCM today and join our services for better coding solutions.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

• What is the ICD-10-CM code for anemia?

The ICD-10-CM code for anemia has a range from D50 to D89, but especially anemia targeted up to D50-D64. This code range is used for anemia diagnosed and indicates multiple types and subcategories of anemia.

• What is the ICD-10 code for other iron deficiency anemia?

The ICD-10 code for other iron deficiency anemia is D50. This code covers iron deficiency anemias with all specific sub-categories.

• What is the ICD-10 code for other specified anemia?

The ICD-10 code for other specified anemia is D64.89. This code is used for anemias that are specified but do not have a separate code.

• What is the ICD-11 code for anemia?

The ICD-11 code for anemia is 3A00 . This code represents anemia, Other specified iron deficiency anemia – ICD-11 MMS.

• What is the ICD-11 code for severe anemia?

The ICD-11 code for severe anemia is 3A00.0. This code is used to classify severe anemia in the ICD-11 system.