Also referred to as low blood count or tired blood count, anemia is a prevalent condition troubling people of all ages. It is a condition in which the human body lacks healthy red blood cells (hemoglobin) responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

This non-presence of healthy red blood cells leads to further problems like:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular Heartbeat

There are various factors responsible for anemia. These include nutritional deficiency due to an unhealthy or poor diet, loss of blood due to heavy periods, internal bleeding, intestinal issues, chronic disorders, genetic disorders, and infections. People suffering from anemia mostly feel tired and weak.

Classification of Anemia

Following are the main categories of anemia for your easy understanding.

  • Microcytic Anemia
  • Normocytic Anemia
  • Macrocytic Anemia

Microcytic Anemia

Caused by iron deficiency, microcytic anemia is

distinguished by small red blood cells. Other than that, the main causes behind this type of anemia are thalassemia, lead poisoning, and anemia caused by chronic diseases.

Normocytic Anemia

Characterized by normal-sized red blood cells, normocytic anemia involves red blood cells that are although large than those in microcytic anemia but smaller in macrocytic anemia. Also, the red blood cells in this category are of normal size but very few in number. It can result from ailments like chronic kidney disease, cancer, bone marrow issues, and specific medications.

Macrocytic Anemia

As the name suggests, this anemia type is specified by large red blood cells. Macrocytic Anemia is mostly caused by the shortage of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Some main reasons behind macrocytic anemia are liver disease, alcoholism, and the patient taking specific types of medications.

Understanding The D64.9 Diagnosis Code for Anemia

Before moving onto the different types of Anemia and the ICD-10 codes used for their medical classification, let’s take a brief tour of ICD-10 Code D64.9 – Anemia, Unspecified.

What is D64.9: Anemia, Unspecified

In the medical billing industry, D64.9 is a billable ICD-10 code to signify ‘anemia, unspecified’. The code is included in the chapter related to diseases of the blood and blood forming organs and disorders of immune mechanism.

Brief Explanation of D64.9

Healthcare providers normally append this code in the documentation when the patient suffers from anemia. However, the use of D64.9 is a clear indication that the type or cause of anemia isn’t specified. This code is used in healthcare facilities where complete diagnostic testing could not be performed or the results found are inconclusive.

Symptoms of D64.9 Anemia Explained

Symptoms of anemia are quite obvious and differ based on the root cause. In a situation where a chronic disease is responsible for anemia, it may be covered up by the disease, and hence, anemia may be identified through tests for another ailment.

Based on the cause of anemia, the patient may not have any apparent signs or symptoms. The symptoms experienced by the patient may include weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, pain in the chest, headaches, and even cold hands or feet.

Some noticeable symptoms of anemia are discussed below:

Fatigue and Weakness

This is the most common and most obvious sign of anemia. The person suffering from anemia will feel a lack of energy and constant tiredness. This condition is caused by the inability of blood to transfer oxygen to different parts of the body. It not only results in lethargy but also the feeling of exhaustion and drowsiness.

Shortness of Breath

If a patient suffers from anemia, the lack of oxygen and energy in the body will be fulfilled through a fast heartbeat and respiratory rate to compensate for oxygen shortage in the tissues. 

So, whenever the person indulges in any physical activity, they’ll experience shortness of breath. You can see a lot of people panting as soon as they exert themselves in a laborious task.

Pale or Yellowish Skin

Anemia is the foremost reason for a decrease in healthy red blood cells. This deficiency may bring down the flow of blood to different parts of the body, including the skin and mucous membranes.  This is the foremost reason for people having pale or yellowish skin lacking rejuvenation.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

When the blood lacks healthy red blood cells capable of transferring oxygen to different body parts, it results in fatigue and weakness. However, when the blood supply to the brain is insufficient, the end result is dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when the patient stands up suddenly or exerts themselves.

Fast or Irregular Heartbeat

Increased or irregular heartbeat is another common synonym for anemia. This irregular beat is known as arrhythmia and should not be taken lightly. Although it can also occur due to various other reasons like stress, excess caffeine, or usage of certain medications, anemia is the main cause behind it.

Important: Based on the patient’s overall health, type, and severity of the condition, the symptoms explained above may vary in severity from patient to patient. If you or a loved one is experiencing such a condition, we suggest you consult a healthcare provider for accurate assessment and proper treatment.

ICD-10 Codes for Different Types of Anemia

If you’re interested in going through various types of anemia and want to know about their specific ICD-10 codes, stay put as the section below contains fruitful knowledge.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

If a patient lacks mineral iron in the body, they are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Lack of mineral iron is responsible for inefficient production or not enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.

Some possible reasons for iron deficiency anemia are malnourishment, repeated blood donation, digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease, endurance training involving heavy lifting or body training, gut removal using surgical treatment.

ICD-10 Code for Iron Deficiency Anemia: D50

Accurate ICD-10 codes for iron deficiency anemia are:

  • D50.0: Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)
  • D50.1: Sideropenic dysphasia
  • D50.8: Other iron deficiency anemias
  • D50.9: Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Vitamin deficiency anemia is diagnosed in a patient when they suffer a shortage of vitamin B12 and folate required for red blood cells. Physicians suggest consuming dietary supplements and a nutrient-rich diet to overcome the shortage of folic acid and vitamin B-12.

ICD-10 Codes for Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: D51

  • D51.0: Intrinsic factor deficiency causing lack of vitamin B12
  • D51.1: Lack of vitamin B12 anemia due to malabsorption of B12 with proteinuria.
  • D51.2: Transcobalamin II deficiency
  • D51.3: Other dietary vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
  • D51.8: Other vitamin B12 deficiency anemias
  • D51.9: Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified

Folate Deficiency Anemia

A patient suffers from folate deficiency anemia if there is an absence of folic acid in their body. It is a type of B vitamin, and its shortage results in lower red blood cell count or abnormal enlargement of these cells. Deficiency of folate may result in physical conditions like fatigue, pale skin, and tender tongue.  

ICD-10 Codes for Folate Deficiency Anemia: D52

  • D52.0: Dietary folate deficiency anemia
  • D52.1: Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia
  • D52.8: Other folate deficiency anemias
  • D52.9: Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified

Other Nutritional Anemias

Nutritional anemias occur when patients face a shortage of minerals and vitamins required to produce red blood cells. The most common types of these anemias are megaloblastic anemia or iron deficiency anemia caused by folate or B12 deficiency. Other prevalent reasons could be due to the lack of vitamins A, B2, B6, vitamin C, D, E, zinc and copper.

ICD-10 Codes for other nutritional anemias: D53

  • D53.0 – Protein deficiency anemia
  • D53.1 – Other megaloblastic anemias, not elsewhere classified
  • D53.2 – Scorbutic anemia
  • D53.8 – Other specified nutritional anemias
  • D53.9 – Nutritional anemia, unspecified

Hemolytic Anemia

In the medical world, hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells diminish quicker than they are replaced by healthy red blood cells. Also known as hemolysis, this condition is caused either by genetic conditions, infections, specific medications, or autoimmune disorders.

Common symptoms of hemolytic anemia are fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale skin, fever, weakness and confusion, dizziness etc. Hemolytic anemia comes in different types, such as sickle cell disorder, thalassemia, enzyme disorders, and other genetic conditions.

ICD-10 Codes for Anemia Due to Enzyme Disorders: D55

  • D55.0 – Anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency
  • D55.1 – Anemia due to other disorders of glutathione metabolism
  • D55.2 – Anemia due to disorders of glycolytic enzymes
  • D55.3 – Anemia due to disorders of nucleotide metabolism
  • D55.8 – Other anemias due to enzyme disorders
  • D55.9 – Anemia due to enzyme disorder, unspecified

ICD-10 Codes for Anemia Due to Thalassemia: D56

  • D56.0 – Alpha thalassemia
  • D56.1 – Beta thalassemia
  • D56.2 – Delta-beta thalassemia
  • D56.3 – Thalassemia minor
  • D56.4 – Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH)
  • D56.5 – Hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia
  • D56.8 – Other thalassemias
  • D56.9 – Thalassemia, unspecified

ICD-10 Codes for Anemia Due to Sickle-Cell Disorders: D57

  • D57.0 – Hb-SS disease with crisis
  • D57.1 – Sickle-cell disease without crisis
  • D57.2 – Sickle-cell/Hb-C disease
  • D57.3 – Sickle-cell trait
  • D57.4 – Sickle-cell thalassemia
  • D57.8 – Other sickle-cell disorders

ICD-10 Codes for Other Hereditary Hemolytic Anemias: D58

  • D58.0 – Hereditary spherocytosis
  • D58.1 – Hereditary elliptocytosis
  • D58.2 – Other hemoglobinopathies
  • D58.8 – Other specified hereditary hemolytic anemias
  • D58.9 – Hereditary hemolytic anemia, unspecified

ICD-10 Codes for Acquired Hemolytic Anemia: D59

  • D59 – Acquired hemolytic anemia
  • D59.0 – Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • D59.1 – Other autoimmune hemolytic anemias
  • D59.2 – Drug-induced non autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • D59.3 – Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
  • D59.4 – Other non autoimmune hemolytic anemias
  • D59.5 – Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria [Marchiafava-Micheli]
  • D59.6 – Hemoglobinuria due to hemolysis from other external causes
  • D59.8 – Other acquired hemolytic anemias
  • D59.9 – Acquired hemolytic anemia, unspecified

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic Anemia is another rare and serious blood condition. During this condition, a patient’s bone marrow loses the ability to regenerate new blood cells so that the body can perform normally. Based on the condition, i.e., mild or severe, aplastic anemia can develop slowly or quickly.

There could be several causes behind this condition, like prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals, viral infections, inherited disorders, undergoing cancer treatment, and taking certain medicines. One way to treat this condition is via blood transfusion. It helps to increase red blood cells.

Surgeons may recommend bone marrow transplant in situations where the patient’s bone marrow is affected by disease and cannot produce healthy blood cells. Following are the codes that are necessary for healthcare providers to claim their reimbursements from the payors.

ICD-10 Codes for Aplastic Anemia: D60

  • D60 – Acquired pure red cell aplasia [erythroblastopenia]
  • D61 – Other aplastic anemias and other bone marrow failure syndromes
  • D61.0 – Constitutional aplastic anemia
  • D61.1 – Drug-induced aplastic anemia
  • D61.2 – Aplastic anemia due to other external agents
  • D61.3 – Idiopathic aplastic anemia
  • D61.8 – Other specified aplastic anemias and other bone marrow failure syndromes
  • D61.9 – Aplastic anemia, unspecified

Anemia for Chronic Disease

Anemia for Chronic Disease or ACD is experienced when chronic conditions, infections, or other illnesses are the reason for inflammation. This leads to a lower red blood cell count and iron deficiency. ACD is often experienced as a mild to moderate condition and doesn’t have significant symptoms.

The worst part of this illness is that there is no specific treatment as yet. So, doctors counter it by treating the underlying conditions. In case of severe symptoms, doctors opt for synthetic erythropoietin injections – a hormone produced by human kidneys – to stimulate red blood cells and lower fatigue.

ICD-10 Codes for Anemia Due to Chronic Disease classified elsewhere: D63

  • D63.0: Anemia in neoplastic disease
  • D63.1: Anemia in chronic kidney disease
  • D63.8: Anemia in other chronic diseases classified elsewhere

ICD-10 Codes for Other Anemias: D64

  • D64.0: Genetic sideroblastic anemia
  • D64.1: Secondary sideroblastic anemia due to disease
  • D64.2: Secondary sideroblastic anemia due to drugs and toxins
  • D64.3: Other sideroblastic anemia
  • D64.8: Other specified anemias
  • D64.9: Anemia, unspecified

Coding for Anemia: Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers

Some common coding challenges faced in the medical billing world regarding anemia are as follows.

Identifying The Root Cause

Anemia can be an illness resulting from multiple underlying disorders. These conditions vary from dietary deficiency to chronic ailments or hereditary conditions. Healthcare providers, to achieve correct and timely reimbursements against their treatments, must find the underlying cause and then document the precise code.

Coding accuracy

As we’ve mentioned above, there are many forms and causes of anemia. And every type requires an exact ICD-10 code. Picking the precise ICD-10 code that signals towards the patient’s actual condition is not an easy task.

The International Classification of Diseases system undergoes continuous upgrades, and hence, healthcare practitioners, medical billers, and coders must stay current with the recent updates related to anemia. This is especially important to maintain practice credibility, stay away from denials, and extract the right amount against medical services.

Accurate Coding and Documentation

Accurate coding and complete documentation are directly proportional to each other. Problems with one will automatically create issues with the other. For instance, unclear or incomplete documentation will lead to claim denial even if you’ve appended the correct code.

Likewise, inaccurate coding, even if the documentation is clear and correct, will not result in reimbursement. Concerned people must collaborate with healthcare providers for complete information regarding documentation and the exact type of anemia being treated.

Code Sequencing

When treating anemia with another ailment, finding and appending the correct code to signify the primary diagnosis and sequencing codes can be challenging for physicians. For instance, during documentation and claim creation, you’re compromising on coding if you aren’t careful in differentiating Hemolytic Anemia and Aplastic Anemia.

It ultimately affects revenue collection from the payors against healthcare services rendered. The same goes for differentiating between acute and chronic anemia, as both come with different requirements, treatments, and codes. Taking care of these tricky situations while treating anemia demands skill, knowledge, the ability to create the right documentation, continuous training, and compliance with coding guidelines.

Conclusion

Anemia is a common condition affecting a large majority of Americans and people all over the world. Based on the various types and complexities involved, its management and evaluation become quite challenging. Healthcare providers, medical billers and coders are sometimes unable to cater to several ICD-10 codes used to precisely signify the exact type of anemia.

Staying updated with the regular changes and revisions in ICD codes combined with accurate appending and documentation not only helps with correct diagnosis and treatment but also allows them to bag full reimbursements. If you are busy with your patients and don’t have time to code for anemia and related ailments, consult I-Med Claims.

We’re one of the most sought-after medical billing companies across the US, mastering the ICD-10 codes, CDT, and HCPCS modifiers. This way, you can focus on delivering excellent patient care while we work to enhance your revenue, reduce denials, and streamline revenue cycle management.

Our vastly experienced and highly certified medical billers and coders stay updated with the changes and revisions in the coding system. They leave no stone unturned in providing you with unmatched medical billing services that are HIPAA-compliant, mitigate errors, and promise error-free claim creation, submission, and capital generation against your medical services.