Find comprehensive information on Vitamin B12 Deficiency diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM codes), symptoms, causes, and treatment. Learn about pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia, neuropathy, and other related conditions. Explore lab tests like serum B12 levels, MMA, and homocysteine for accurate diagnosis and effective management of B12 deficiency. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurate clinical documentation and coding best practices.
Also known as
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Anemia caused by insufficient vitamin B12.
Other nutritional deficiencies
Includes other specified nutritional deficiencies, such as B12.
Pernicious anemia
Autoimmune disorder affecting B12 absorption causing anemia.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the B12 deficiency due to dietary causes?
Yes
Code D51.0, Dietary vitamin B12 deficiency
No
Is it due to pernicious anemia?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Vitamin B12 deficiency |
Folate deficiency |
Pernicious anemia |
Coding B12 deficiency without specificity (e.g., pernicious anemia, dietary) leads to inaccurate reporting and potential DRG misassignment.
Insufficient clinical evidence (e.g., lab results, symptoms) to support B12 deficiency diagnosis poses audit risks and claim denials.
Coding B12 deficiency alongside contradictory diagnoses without proper clarification can trigger clinical validation queries.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency (ICD-10-CM code E53.8), including fatigue, weakness, and paresthesias. The patient reports experiencing glossitis and difficulty with balance. Physical examination reveals pallor and a smooth, red tongue. Neurological examination demonstrates diminished vibratory sensation and decreased deep tendon reflexes. Complete blood count (CBC) reveals macrocytic anemia with elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Peripheral blood smear shows macro-ovalocytes and hypersegmented neutrophils. Serum vitamin B12 levels are confirmed to be low (less than 200 pgmL). Differential diagnosis includes folate deficiency, pernicious anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Based on the patient's presentation, laboratory findings, and clinical picture, a diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is made. The patient's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors for B12 deficiency, including dietary habits, malabsorption syndromes, and use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors, were reviewed. The plan includes intramuscular injections of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) supplementation to address the deficiency and regular monitoring of B12 levels, CBC, and neurological symptoms to assess treatment efficacy. Patient education regarding dietary sources of vitamin B12 and potential long-term complications of untreated B12 deficiency, such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive impairment, was provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled to reassess clinical status and adjust treatment plan as needed.