ICD-10 Code D53.9 – Nutritional anemia, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D53.9 – Nutritional anemia, unspecified
What it is
D53.9 identifies a nutritional anemia when the specific deficiency is not documented. Use it for anemia thought to be caused by poor intake or malabsorption, but without a named nutrient deficiency.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have nonspecific anemia findings such as fatigue, pallor, weakness, or reduced exercise tolerance, but the record should support a nutritional cause.
When to use this code
Use D53.9 when the provider documents nutritional anemia and does not specify folate, vitamin B12, or another exact deficiency. It is also appropriate when the chart notes anemia from inadequate nutrition, but the deficiency is not further defined. Check documentation if the cause is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use D53.9 when a specific anemia type is documented, such as folate deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Avoid it if the anemia is due to blood loss, chronic disease, iron deficiency, or another established cause.
Coding tip
Code the most specific anemia diagnosis available; if the record names the deficiency, choose that code instead of D53.9.