Drug-induced folate deficiency anemia

This code signifies a type of anemia characterized by insufficient folate levels in the blood, directly caused by the use of certain medications. The drug interferes with folate absorption, metabolism, or utilization, leading to impaired red blood cell production.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms and laboratory findings consistent with folate deficiency anemia, and the medical record clearly identifies a specific drug as the causative agent. Documentation should include the drug name and a confirmed link between the medication and the folate deficiency.

• Always sequence the adverse effect code for the drug first, followed by this code.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the drug is the cause of the folate deficiency, not merely a co-occurring condition.
• Distinguish from other causes of folate deficiency anemia (e.g., dietary, malabsorption) which have different codes.