Nutritional anemia, unspecified

This code signifies a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin due to inadequate intake, absorption, or utilization of essential nutrients, where the specific nutritional cause is not documented. It represents a general diagnosis of anemia linked to nutritional factors without further specification.

Use this code when the medical record clearly indicates a nutritional component to the patient's anemia, but the specific nutrient deficiency (e.g., iron, B12, folate) is not identified or confirmed. This code is appropriate when documentation states "nutritional anemia" without further detail.

• Avoid using this code if the specific type of nutritional anemia (e.g., iron deficiency anemia, B12 deficiency anemia) is documented; instead, code to the more specific diagnosis.
• Do not code this with D64.9 (Anemia, unspecified) as per the Excludes1 note; choose the most appropriate code based on documentation.
• Query the provider for clarification if "anemia" is documented and nutritional factors are suspected but not explicitly stated or if a specific nutritional deficiency is implied but not confirmed.