Acute Posthemorrhagic Anemia (D62): ICD-10 Coding & Clinical Documentation Guide

Updated on: July 26, 2025

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia is a sudden drop in hemoglobin levels due to significant blood loss. It often arises from trauma, surgery, gastrointestinal bleeding, or ruptured vascular conditions. The ICD-10 code D62 is used to capture this condition when anemia develops as a direct result of acute hemorrhage.

This article explains how to use D62, how it differs from other types of anemia, and how to document it clearly in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

What Is ICD-10 Code D62?

D62 should be used when:

• A patient has a clinically significant drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit

• The drop is due to acute blood loss

• There is no prior history of chronic anemia

• The condition is sudden and reversible with appropriate treatment

D62 does not apply to chronic anemia or blood loss over time—it’s for acute, measurable hemorrhage-induced anemia.

Clinical Scenarios Where D62 Applies

Key Diagnostic Criteria for D62

• Hemoglobin drop ≥2 g/dL or Hct drop ≥6–8%

• Symptoms: fatigue, pallor, hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness

• History or documentation of recent blood loss

• No other explanation for anemia (e.g., iron deficiency, B12)

Common Causes of Acute Posthemorrhagic Anemia

Documentation Best Practices for D62

To properly support ICD-10 coding for D62, your clinical note should include:

• Source of hemorrhage (if known)

• Hemoglobin trend (before vs after bleed)

• Symptoms experienced (e.g., lightheadedness, tachycardia)

• Interventions (e.g., transfusions, surgery, iron therapy)

• Response to treatment

Sample Note:

“Patient admitted for GI bleed with initial Hb of 7.5 (baseline 13.1). Required 2 units PRBCs. Now hemodynamically stable. Diagnosis: Acute posthemorrhagic anemia (D62) secondary to upper GI bleed (K92.2).”

SOAP Note Example – Acute Anemia After Bleed

• S: “Feeling weak and dizzy since passing black stools.”

• O: Hb dropped from 12.4 → 7.9; melena noted on rectal exam; BP 92/56

• A: Acute posthemorrhagic anemia (D62); upper GI hemorrhage (K92.1)

• P: Start IV fluids; transfuse PRBCs; stat GI consult; plan endoscopy

Secondary Codes Often Used With D62

Treatment Options

In-Hospital:

• Packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion

• Hemodynamic support (fluids, vasopressors if needed)

• Endoscopic or surgical control of bleeding

• Anticoagulant reversal (if applicable)

Post-Discharge:

• Iron supplementation

• GI workup (for occult or ongoing bleeds)

• Reassessment of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy

When NOT to Use D62

FAQs

Is D62 billable as a primary diagnosis?

Yes. D62 is billable and appropriate as a principal or primary diagnosis when acute hemorrhage leads to anemia and is the main reason for encounter.

Should I use D62 even if the bleeding source is unknown?

Yes—as long as there is clinical evidence of acute blood loss and a hemoglobin drop, even if the source is under investigation.

How is D62 different from D50.0?

• D62 = Sudden anemia due to recent, acute hemorrhage

• D50.0 = Chronic iron-deficiency anemia from slow or prolonged blood loss

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Conclusion

ICD-10 Code D62 – Acute Posthemorrhagic Anemia is essential for capturing cases of anemia caused by significant, sudden blood loss. Accurate documentation of hemoglobin decline, bleeding source, and clinical symptoms ensures better care, compliant coding, and reduced reimbursement issues. Tools like DocScrib make this process faster, more intuitive, and audit-proof.