ICD-10 Coding for Low Iron(E83.1, E61.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Low Iron. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Low Iron
E61-E83Primary Range
Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disorders
This range includes codes for nutritional deficiencies and disorders of metabolism, which are relevant for coding low iron conditions.
Nutritional anemias
This range includes codes for anemias due to nutritional deficiencies, relevant when low iron leads to anemia.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E83.1 | Disorder of iron metabolism | Use when low iron is documented without confirmed deficiency or anemia. |
|
| E61.1 | Nutritional iron deficiency | Use when there is documented nutritional deficiency without anemia. |
|
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 low iron
Essential facts and insights about Low Iron
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low iron
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Low serum iron with normal/high ferritin
Applicable To
- Iron metabolism disorder
Excludes
- Nutritional iron deficiency (E61.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum iron <60 mcg/dL
- Normal or high ferritin levels
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if nutritional deficiency is present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'iron metabolism disorder' to avoid misclassification.
E61.1 - Nutritional iron deficiency
Use when there is documented nutritional deficiency without anemia.
Applicable To
- Iron deficiency without anemia
Excludes
- Iron deficiency anemia (D50.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ferritin <30 ng/mL
- Transferrin saturation <16%
Coding Notes
Documentation must explicitly state 'nutritional deficiency.'
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Abnormal blood chemistry
R79.0Differential 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 Low Iron to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E83.1.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are included in every assessment, Use templates to guide documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denials due to incorrect coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'nutritional deficiency' or use E83.1.
Impact
Risk of audit if nutritional deficiency is not clearly documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific lab results and clinical symptoms.
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 Low Iron, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Low Iron
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Low Iron. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Primary care assessment of low iron
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Serum iron levels
- Ferritin and transferrin saturation
- Clinical symptoms
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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