ICD-10 Coding for Folate Deficiency(D52.0, D52.1, D52.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Folate Deficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Folate Deficiency
D52Primary Range
Folate deficiency anemia
This range includes all ICD-10 codes related to folate deficiency anemia, covering dietary, drug-induced, and unspecified causes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D52.0 | Dietary folate deficiency anemia | Use when folate deficiency is due to inadequate dietary intake. |
|
| D52.1 | Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia | Use when folate deficiency is secondary to medication use. |
|
| D52.9 | Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified | Use when the cause of folate deficiency is not specified. |
|
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 dietary folate deficiency
Essential facts and insights about Folate Deficiency
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for folate deficiency
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Low serum folate and high MCV with documented poor diet
Applicable To
- Folate deficiency due to poor nutrition
- Alcoholism-related folate deficiency
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum folate <6.8 nmol/L
- MCV >100 fL
- Documented poor dietary intake
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if dietary cause is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure dietary cause is clearly documented to avoid unspecified coding.
D52.1 - Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia
Use when folate deficiency is secondary to medication use.
Applicable To
- Folate deficiency due to methotrexate
- Folate deficiency due to phenytoin
Excludes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum folate <6.8 nmol/L
- MCV >100 fL
- Documented drug use causing deficiency
Coding Notes
Document specific drug and treatment duration.
D52.9 - Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified
Use when the cause of folate deficiency is not specified.
Applicable To
- Folate deficiency anemia without specified cause
Excludes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum folate <6.8 nmol/L
- MCV >100 fL
- No specific cause documented
Coding Notes
Avoid use if a specific cause can be documented.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Folate Deficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D52.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough patient history is taken., Review lab results and correlate with clinical findings.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure the specific cause is documented and use the appropriate code (D52.0 or D52.1).
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific causes are documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular audits and provider education on documentation requirements.
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 Folate Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Folate Deficiency
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Folate Deficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Dietary Folate Deficiency
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- Patient history of poor dietary intake
- Serum folate levels
- MCV values
- Exclusion of B12 deficiency
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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