Understand Folate Deficiency Anemia (Vitamin B9 Deficiency Anemia, Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia) diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Find information on ICD-10-CM codes, clinical documentation improvement, and healthcare best practices for managing Folate Deficiency Anemia. Learn about laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, and patient care considerations for Vitamin B9 Deficiency and Folic Acid Deficiency. This resource supports accurate medical coding and optimal patient outcomes related to Folate Deficiency Anemia.
Also known as
Folate deficiency anemia
Anemia caused by a lack of folate (vitamin B9).
Nutritional anemias
Anemias due to dietary deficiencies in iron, B12, or folate.
Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
Covers various blood disorders including anemias and other blood cell problems.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the anemia due to folate deficiency?
Yes
Is it dietary?
No
Do NOT code as folate deficiency anemia. Review other anemia diagnoses.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Low folate levels cause anemia. |
| Low B12 causes anemia, nerve issues. |
| Anemia from chronic disease. |
Coding anemia as unspecified (e.g., D64.9) without documenting specific folate deficiency findings leads to inaccurate reimbursement and quality metrics.
Failing to differentiate folate deficiency (D52.0, D52.1) from B12 deficiency (D51.0, D51.1) can impact treatment and patient outcomes.
Insufficient documentation of dietary intake and other relevant social determinants of health impacting folate levels hinders accurate coding and care planning.
Q: What are the key differentiating factors in diagnosing folate deficiency anemia versus vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, considering their overlapping symptoms?
A: While both folate deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia present with megaloblastic anemia (large red blood cells), distinguishing them is crucial for effective treatment. Serum folate levels are the primary diagnostic test for folate deficiency. Low serum folate (<2 ng/mL) confirms the diagnosis. However, since vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause low folate, measuring vitamin B12 levels is essential. Elevated homocysteine levels are present in both deficiencies, but methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels are typically elevated only in vitamin B12 deficiency. Neurological symptoms, such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive impairment, are more strongly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm that includes both serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, along with MMA, to accurately differentiate these conditions. Explore how MMA levels can enhance the specificity of your diagnosis.
Q: How does folate deficiency anemia impact pregnancy outcomes, and what are the recommended preventative strategies for pregnant patients and those planning pregnancy?
A: Folate deficiency anemia during pregnancy is associated with serious adverse outcomes, including neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly, premature birth, and low birth weight. Given the rapid cell division during fetal development, folate demands are significantly increased during pregnancy. The recommended preventative strategy involves folic acid supplementation. The CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily, and pregnant women should increase their intake to 600 mcg daily. For women with a history of NTD-affected pregnancies, a higher dose of 4 mg daily is recommended, starting one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester. Learn more about the impact of folate status on fetal development and incorporate these guidelines into your patient counseling practices.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of folate deficiency anemia (vitamin B9 deficiency anemia; folic acid deficiency anemia). Presenting complaints include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The patient also reports experiencing palpitations, dizziness, and headache. Physical examination reveals pallor and glossitis. Complete blood count (CBC) demonstrates macrocytic anemia with an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Peripheral blood smear shows macro-ovalocytes and hypersegmented neutrophils, consistent with megaloblastic anemia. Serum folate levels are below the normal reference range, confirming the diagnosis of folate deficiency anemia. Differential diagnosis includes vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and other causes of macrocytic anemia. The patient's dietary history is being evaluated to identify potential contributing factors such as inadequate intake of folate-rich foods. Treatment plan includes oral folic acid supplementation. Patient education regarding dietary sources of folate, such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains, has been provided. Follow-up CBC and serum folate levels will be monitored to assess response to treatment. ICD-10 code D52.0 (folate deficiency anemia) is applicable. CPT codes for relevant laboratory tests, such as serum folate (82746) and CBC (85025), will be used for billing purposes. Prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment and dietary modifications. The patient will be monitored for improvement in symptoms and hematologic parameters.