Anemia in chronic kidney disease

This code signifies anemia that is a direct consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It reflects the impaired erythropoietin production by the kidneys, leading to insufficient red blood cell formation. This is a common comorbidity in patients with advancing renal dysfunction.

Use this code when documentation explicitly links the patient's anemia to their underlying chronic kidney disease. This applies to patients with any stage of CKD who are also diagnosed with anemia, and the anemia is attributed to the renal impairment. Supporting documentation includes physician notes stating "anemia due to CKD" or "CKD-related anemia."

• Always code the underlying chronic kidney disease (N18.-) first, followed by this code.
• Do not use this code if the anemia is due to another cause, such as iron deficiency or acute blood loss, even in a patient with CKD.
• Ensure the physician's documentation clearly establishes the causal link between the CKD and the anemia.