ICD-10 Code D56.1 – Beta thalassemia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D56.1 – Beta thalassemia
What it is
D56.1 identifies beta thalassemia, an inherited disorder of hemoglobin production. It causes reduced beta-globin chain synthesis and can lead to chronic anemia.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include microcytic anemia, fatigue, pallor, and sometimes jaundice or splenomegaly. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use D56.1 when the provider documents beta thalassemia, including thalassemia major, intermedia, or trait if specified as beta thalassemia. Code it for confirmed hereditary disease, not for anemia alone.
If the record only says “thalassemia” without type, check documentation before assigning D56.1. Match the code to the documented beta-globin disorder and any stated severity.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for iron deficiency anemia, other hemoglobinopathies, or unspecified thalassemia when the type is not documented. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider names beta thalassemia specifically, because “thalassemia” alone may require a different or unspecified code.