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ICD-10 Coding for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease(D63.1, N18.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anemia in CKDRenal AnemiaAnemia of CKD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

D63.1Primary Range

Anemia in chronic kidney disease

This code is used to indicate anemia as a complication of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1-5 and unspecified

These codes are used to specify the stage of chronic kidney disease, which is necessary for sequencing with D63.1.

Dependence on renal dialysis

This code is used for patients with CKD stage 5 who are on dialysis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney diseaseUse when anemia is documented in conjunction with CKD, even if not explicitly linked.
  • Documented CKD
  • Hemoglobin levels below normal range
  • Symptoms such as fatigue or pallor
N18.3Chronic kidney disease, stage 3Use to specify the stage of CKD when coding anemia in CKD.
  • eGFR between 30-59 mL/min/1.73m²

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for anemia in chronic kidney disease

Essential facts and insights about Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

The ICD-10 code for anemia in chronic kidney disease is D63.1, used with a CKD stage code.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anemia in chronic kidney disease

Anemia in chronic kidney disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of CKD and anemia symptoms

coding Criteria

  • CKD stage must be coded first

documentation Criteria

  • Anemia linked to CKD in documentation

Applicable To

  • Anemia due to CKD

Excludes

  • Anemia in neoplastic disease (D63.0)
  • Anemia in other chronic diseases classified elsewhere (D63.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented CKD
  • Hemoglobin levels below normal range
  • Symptoms such as fatigue or pallor

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing if used as primary diagnosis

Coding Notes

  • D63.1 is a manifestation code and should not be used as a primary diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Dependence on renal dialysis

Z99.2
Use for CKD stage 5 patients on dialysis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Anemia, unspecified

D64.9
Use D64.9 if anemia is explicitly stated as unrelated to CKD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D63.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the CKD stage first (N18.x).

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment for dialysis services., Compliance: Failure to capture complete clinical picture., Data Quality: Incomplete documentation of patient dependency.

Mitigation Strategy

Include Z99.2 for CKD stage 5 patients on dialysis.

Impact

Using D63.1 as a primary diagnosis instead of CKD stage.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 sequencing rules.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Inpatient documentation for anemia in CKD

Specialty: Nephrology

Required Elements

  • CKD stage
  • Anemia symptoms
  • Hemoglobin levels
  • Iron studies

Example Documentation

Patient with CKD stage 3 presents with anemia. Hb 9.5 g/dL, TSAT 18%, ferritin 150 ng/mL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has CKD and anemia.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with CKD stage 3 and anemia: Hb 9.5 g/dL, TSAT 18%, ferritin 150 ng/mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and links anemia to CKD.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease? Ask your questions below.

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