Is ICD-10-CM code D50 billable?

No, D50 (Iron deficiency anemia) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code D50 belong to?

D50 belongs to Chapter 3 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: D50–D89 (Diseases of the Blood and Blood-Forming Organs).

D50Not billable, use a more specific code below

Iron deficiency anemia

In Nutritional anemias (D50-D53), chapter 3: Diseases of the Blood and Blood-Forming Organs

4 billable codes under D50: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

asiderotic anemia
hypochromic anemia

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 3 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.3 (page 39)

All codes under D50

D50 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

D50 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under D50 group to MS-DRG 811 or 812 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to D50

Notes on these codes point to D50.

E40-E46 Excludes2: nutritional anemias (D50-D53)
E50-E64 Excludes2: nutritional anemias (D50-D53)
E61.1 Excludes1: iron deficiency anemia (D50.-)
E83.1 Excludes1: iron deficiency anemia (D50.-)
M90.5 Code First: hemoglobinopathy (D50-D64)
O99.0 Includes: Conditions in D50-D64
R71 Excludes1: anemias (D50-D64)
Z83.2 Includes: Conditions classifiable to D50-D89
Z86.2 Includes: Conditions classifiable to D50-D89

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Anemia

If you have anemia, your blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body. The most common cause of anemia is not having enough iron. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Iron

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.