Choosing ICD-10-CM Codes
Coding Example 1
Now, we’ll review 6 examples that describe how to choose an ICD-10-CM code. You can also access these coding examples in the Using the ICD-10-CM job aid. To access the job aid, click the Job Aid button or choose the Reference button at the top of any course page.
Diagnosis: Iron deficiency anemia
Click the Alphabetic Index and Tabular List tabs to choose an ICD-10-CM code for this diagnosis.
Step 1: Look up the term for the diagnosis in the Alphabetic Index.
Anemia (essential) (general) (hemoglobin deficiency) (infantile) (primary) (profound) D64.9
- with (due to) (in)
- - disorder of
- - iron D50.9
- - - secondary to blood loss (chronic) D50.0
- - nutritional D53.9
- - - with
- - - - poor iron absorption D50.8
- - - - specified deficiency NEC D53.8
The Alphabetic Index lists D50.9 as the code for iron deficiency anemia. Next, verify this code in the Tabular List.
Step 2: Verify the code D50.9 in the Tabular List.
D50.9 Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
The Tabular List shows D50.9 as the code for Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified.
Code Assignment for this Diagnosis: D50.9