Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) diagnosis, treatment, and management. Find information on anemia due to chemotherapy, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare provider resources for supporting patients with CIA. Learn about hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and anemia symptoms in chemotherapy patients.
Also known as
Anemia due to antineoplastic chemotherapy
Anemia caused by anticancer drug treatment.
Drug-induced aplastic anemia
Bone marrow failure to produce blood cells due to drugs.
Poisoning by antineoplastic antimetabolites
Adverse effects from anticancer metabolic pathway inhibitors.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is anemia confirmed due to antineoplastic chemotherapy?
Yes
Aplastic anemia?
No
Do not code as chemotherapy-induced anemia. Review documentation and code alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Anemia caused by chemotherapy drugs. |
| Anemia due to blood loss. |
| Anemia caused by iron deficiency. |
Coding CIA without specifying the type (e.g., aplastic, hemolytic) can lead to rejected claims or lower reimbursement.
Lack of clear documentation linking anemia to chemotherapy may cause coding errors and compliance issues.
Incorrectly sequencing CIA as the principal diagnosis when another condition is more significant can impact DRG assignment.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based management strategies for chemotherapy-induced anemia in adult cancer patients?
A: Managing chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) effectively requires a multifaceted approach based on the patient's overall health, disease stage, and severity of anemia. Evidence-based strategies include administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) like epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa, particularly when hemoglobin levels fall below 10 g/dL. However, ESAs should be used judiciously, considering potential risks like thrombosis. Iron supplementation is crucial, especially if iron stores are deficient, and intravenous iron may be preferred for faster repletion in patients with functional iron deficiency. Transfusions are reserved for symptomatic anemia or when hemoglobin levels are critically low. Optimizing supportive care, including nutritional counseling and managing comorbidities, is also essential. Consider implementing a patient-blood management program to minimize blood loss and optimize red blood cell production. Explore how integrating these strategies can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Q: How do I differentiate chemotherapy-induced anemia from anemia of chronic disease or other anemia types in patients receiving chemotherapy?
A: Differentiating chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) from other anemia types can be challenging in patients undergoing chemotherapy. While CIA is typically normocytic and normochromic, like anemia of chronic disease, it can sometimes present with microcytic or macrocytic features depending on the chemotherapy regimen and underlying conditions. Key differentiating factors include a temporal relationship between chemotherapy initiation and the onset or worsening of anemia, along with a decrease in reticulocyte count, indicating reduced bone marrow production. Consider evaluating serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, vitamin B12, and folate levels to rule out other contributing factors like iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or folate deficiency. A thorough review of the patient's medical history, including pre-chemotherapy blood counts, is crucial. Learn more about the diagnostic workup for CIA to ensure accurate identification and appropriate management.
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA), a common side effect of cancer treatment. The patient reports fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, corroborating the diagnosis of anemia secondary to chemotherapy. On physical examination, the patient exhibited pallor. Laboratory results reveal a decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, confirming the presence of anemia. The patient's recent chemotherapy regimen, specifically (mention specific chemotherapy agents used), is the likely etiology of the anemia. Differential diagnoses considered included iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, but the temporal relationship with chemotherapy supports the diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced anemia. The patient's current treatment plan includes monitoring hemoglobin levels, and potential interventions such as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or red blood cell transfusion will be considered based on symptom severity and hemoglobin thresholds. Medical coding will utilize ICD-10-CM code D64.81, Anemia due to antineoplastic chemotherapy, and CPT codes for relevant laboratory tests and procedures will be applied. The patient was educated on the importance of medication adherence and follow-up appointments for ongoing monitoring and management of their chemotherapy-induced anemia. Further evaluation and treatment will be adjusted based on the patient's response to therapy and ongoing clinical status.