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ICD-10 Coding for Folate Deficiency Anemia(D52.0, D52.1, D52.8, D52.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Folate Deficiency Anemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Vitamin B9 Deficiency AnemiaFolic Acid Deficiency Anemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Folate Deficiency Anemia

D52Primary Range

Folate deficiency anemia

This range includes all ICD-10 codes related to folate deficiency anemia, covering various etiologies such as dietary, drug-induced, and unspecified causes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D52.0Dietary folate deficiency anemiaUse when folate deficiency is due to inadequate dietary intake.
  • Serum folate <4 ng/mL
  • MCV >100 fL
  • Exclusion of drug-induced causes
D52.1Drug-induced folate deficiency anemiaUse when folate deficiency is linked to medication use.
  • Serum folate <4 ng/mL
  • Documented use of folate-depleting drugs
D52.8Other specified folate deficiency anemiasUse when folate deficiency is due to conditions like celiac disease.
  • Serum folate <4 ng/mL
  • Documented malabsorption condition
D52.9Folate deficiency anemia, unspecifiedUse when the cause of folate deficiency is not specified.
  • Serum folate <4 ng/mL
  • Lack of specific etiology documentation

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 folate deficiency anemia

Essential facts and insights about Folate Deficiency Anemia

The ICD-10 code for folate deficiency anemia is D52, with specific subcodes for dietary and drug-induced causes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for folate

Dietary folate deficiency anemia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented poor dietary intake of folate-rich foods

Applicable To

  • Malnutrition-related folate deficiency

Excludes

  • Drug-induced folate deficiency (D52.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum folate <4 ng/mL
  • MCV >100 fL
  • Exclusion of drug-induced causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if dietary cause is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure dietary cause is documented to avoid audit risks.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drugs

T45.1X5A
Use alongside D52.1 to indicate drug-induced cause.

Differential Codes

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

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

D51.0
Differentiate based on normal B12 levels and elevated homocysteine.

Dietary folate deficiency anemia

D52.0
Differentiate based on drug use history.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Folate Deficiency Anemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D52.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to improper treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: May result in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough patient history and documentation., Use specific ICD-10 codes when cause is known.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Increases audit risk due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Select the appropriate specific code (e.g., D52.0, D52.1) based on documentation.

Impact

High audit risk when using D52.9 without documented workup.

Mitigation Strategy

Document thorough workup and specify cause when possible.

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 Anemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Folate Deficiency Anemia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Folate Deficiency Anemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Folate deficiency due to drug use

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Drug name and dosage
  • Serum folate levels
  • MCV values
  • Exclusion of B12 deficiency

Example Documentation

Patient on methotrexate presents with anemia. Serum folate 2.3 ng/mL, MCV 110 fL. Diagnosed with D52.1.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anemia present, low folate.
Good Documentation Example
Methotrexate-induced folate deficiency anemia, serum folate 2.3 ng/mL.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and provides lab results, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Folate Deficiency Anemia? Ask your questions below.

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