Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)

This code signifies a type of anemia resulting from insufficient iron stores in the body, specifically caused by ongoing, long-term blood loss. The chronic blood loss depletes iron faster than it can be absorbed, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and subsequent anemia.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates iron deficiency anemia and identifies chronic blood loss as the underlying cause. Examples include anemia due to chronic gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., ulcers, diverticulosis), heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), or persistent microscopic hematuria.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the iron deficiency anemia to chronic blood loss, not acute.
• Do not use this code if the anemia is due to acute hemorrhage; refer to the Excludes1 note for D62.
• Code the underlying cause of the chronic blood loss (e.g., K92.1 for melena, N92.0 for menorrhagia) in addition to this anemia code.