Congenital anemia

This code represents a condition where an individual is born with a lower-than-normal red blood cell count or hemoglobin level, indicating an anemic state present at birth. These anemias can stem from various underlying causes, including genetic defects affecting red blood cell production, structure, or survival.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of anemia that is congenital or present from birth. This is appropriate for conditions like congenital dyserythropoietic anemias, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, or other inherited anemias identified in the neonatal period or early childhood. Supporting documentation should confirm the congenital nature of the anemia, often through genetic testing results or early onset of symptoms.

• Do not use for anemias acquired after birth, even if the underlying cause is genetic.
• Always seek to code the specific type of congenital anemia if known (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) using more specific codes from the 282.x category.
• This code should be used when the specific type of congenital anemia is not documented or is unspecified.