Anemia in neoplastic disease

This code signifies anemia that is a direct consequence of a malignant neoplasm, rather than a side effect of its treatment. It reflects the systemic impact of cancer on red blood cell production or survival, often due to chronic disease, bone marrow infiltration, or blood loss from the tumor itself.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links the patient's anemia to the presence of a malignancy, and not to chemotherapy or radiation. Examples include anemia in patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies where the anemia is attributed to the cancer itself. Supporting documentation should specify the causal relationship between the neoplasm and the anemia.

• Do not use this code if the anemia is explicitly stated as being due to antineoplastic chemotherapy; refer to the Excludes2 note.
• Sequence the underlying neoplasm code first, followed by this code, as the anemia is a manifestation of the cancer.
• Distinguish carefully between anemia caused by the disease versus anemia caused by its treatment.