Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)

This code signifies a type of anemia caused by insufficient iron stores, specifically resulting from ongoing, gradual blood loss. This chronic blood loss depletes the body's iron reserves, which are essential for hemoglobin production, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates iron deficiency anemia and identifies chronic blood loss (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding, menorrhagia) as the underlying cause. Supporting documentation should include laboratory findings confirming iron deficiency (e.g., low ferritin, low serum iron, high TIBC) and evidence of persistent blood loss.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the iron deficiency anemia to chronic blood loss, not acute.
• Do not use this code for iron deficiency anemia without a documented cause or due to nutritional deficiency.
• Code the underlying cause of the chronic blood loss (e.g., GI ulcer, diverticulosis) as an additional diagnosis.