Is ICD-10-CM code D51 billable?

No, D51 (Vitamin B12 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 D51 belong to?

D51 belongs to Chapter 3 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: D50–D89 (Diseases of the Blood and Blood-Forming Organs).

D51Not billable, use a more specific code below

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

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

6 billable codes under D51: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

deficiency of other B group vitamins (E53-)

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 D51

D51 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

D51 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 6 billable codes under D51 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 D51

Notes on these codes point to D51.

E53.8 Excludes2: vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.-)

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.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins are: These vitamins help the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. They also help form red blood cells. You can get B vitamins from proteins such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Leafy green vegetables, beans, and peas also have B vitamins. Many cereals and some breads have added B vitamins.

Code history

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