Vitamin B12 Deficiency ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Vitamin B12 Deficiency  

ICD-10 codes are used for accurate medical billing and coding purposes, including diagnosing various health conditions. For Vitamin B12 deficiency, the relevant ICD-10 codes fall under the E53 - Other B Vitamin Deficiencies. Below are the commonly used Vitamin B12 deficiency ICD-10 codes, along with their clinical descriptions:

• E53.8 - Other specified B vitamin deficiency: This code is used when a patient has a deficiency of Vitamin B12 due to causes other than those explicitly mentioned in other codes.
• E53.0 - Riboflavin deficiency: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency can lead to a deficiency of other B vitamins, including Vitamin B12.
• E53.1 - Nicotinamide deficiency: Nicotinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, plays a role in various metabolic processes, which can contribute to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• E53.2 - Pyridoxine deficiency: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency may lead to decreased absorption and utilization of Vitamin B12.
• E53.3 - Other B group vitamins: This code encompasses other B vitamins that could be linked to or coexist with Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• E63.8 - Other specified nutritional deficiencies: Sometimes, Vitamin B12 deficiency is part of a more complex nutritional deficiency, and this code is used in such cases.
• D51.2 - Transcobalamin II deficiency: This code is used to specify Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a deficiency of transcobalamin II, a protein responsible for transporting Vitamin B12 in the blood.
• D51.0 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency: Intrinsic factor is essential for Vitamin B12 absorption, and its deficiency can lead to a specific type of anemia related to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• D51.1 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria: This code is used when Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to selective malabsorption and proteinuria, a condition where abnormal amounts of protein are present in the urine.
• D51.9 - Vitamin B12 deficiency, unspecified: This code is utilized when the exact cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency is not specified in the medical records.

You can watch the explainer video for a more in-depth understanding of Vitamin B12 deficiency and related ICD-10 codes.

Which Vitamin B12 Deficiency  ICD codes are Billable 

Below are the commonly used Vitamin B12 Deficiency ICD-10 codes along with their billable status:

• E53.8 - Other specified B vitamin deficiency: Yes, billable.
• E53.0 - Riboflavin deficiency: No, not billable for Vitamin B12 deficiency as it refers to Vitamin B2 deficiency.
• E53.1 - Nicotinamide deficiency: No, not billable for Vitamin B12 deficiency as it refers to Vitamin B3 deficiency.
• E53.2 - Pyridoxine deficiency: No, not billable for Vitamin B12 deficiency as it refers to Vitamin B6 deficiency.
• E53.3 - Other deficiencies of B group vitamins: No, not billable for Vitamin B12 deficiency as it is a broader category encompassing deficiencies of other B vitamins.
• E63.8 - Other specified nutritional deficiencies: Yes, billable if Vitamin B12 deficiency is specified as the nutritional deficiency.
• D51.2 - Transcobalamin II deficiency: Yes, billable if the cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency is attributed to Transcobalamin II deficiency.
• D51.0 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency: Yes, billable for Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia caused by intrinsic factor deficiency.
• D51.1 - Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption with proteinuria: Yes, billable for Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia with specific malabsorption and proteinuria.
• D51.9 - Vitamin B12 deficiency, unspecified: Yes, billable for cases where the exact cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency is unspecified.

Using the correct and billable ICD-10 code for Vitamin B12 deficiency is important to ensure proper reimbursement and accurate documentation of the patient's condition. Medical coders and healthcare providers should know the relevant codes to avoid billing and coding errors.

Clinical Information

• Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body.
• It is primarily involved in the synthesis of DNA, red blood cell formation, and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
• The body cannot produce Vitamin B12 independently; therefore, it relies on dietary sources and efficient absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of deficiency due to limited dietary intake.
• The most common cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein the stomach produces essential for B12 absorption. This leads to pernicious anemia.
• Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or surgical alterations in the gastrointestinal tract may also experience impaired B12 absorption.
• Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and difficulty maintaining balance.
• If left untreated, Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to severe neurological complications, including neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and depression.
• Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 deficiency involves a blood test to measure serum B12 levels, along with other relevant diagnostic tests like complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear.
• Treatment typically involves Vitamin B12 supplementation, either through oral supplements or injections, depending on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause.
• Regular follow-up and monitoring of Vitamin B12 levels are essential to assess treatment effectiveness and ensure adequate management of the deficiency.
• Individuals with conditions or lifestyle factors that increase the risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency should consider incorporating B12-rich foods or supplements into their diets to maintain optimal health.

Synonyms Include

• Cobalamin deficiency
• Vitamin B12 insufficiency
• Cyanocobalamin deficiency
• Lack of cobalamin
• B12 vitamin deficiency
• Insufficient Vitamin B12 levels
• Deficit of cobalamin
• Low B12 levels
• Inadequate Vitamin B12
• Absence of cyanocobalamin