ICD-10: D50.1

ICD-10 code D50.1 refers to sideropenic dysphagia, a condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) that is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Here are the key clinical details and descriptions related to this diagnosis:

• Definition: Sideropenic dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that occurs due to iron deficiency, which can lead to changes in the esophagus and result in difficulty swallowing solid foods. This condition is often linked to a lack of iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron, or chronic blood loss that depletes iron stores in the body [5][9].

• Associated Syndromes: The condition includes syndromes such as Kelly-Paterson syndrome and Plummer-Vinson syndrome, which are characterized by similar symptoms and underlying iron deficiency [1][3].

• Clinical Presentation: Patients with sideropenic dysphagia may experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty swallowing (especially solids)
• Pain during swallowing
• A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest

• Possible weight loss due to avoidance of eating [5].

• Diagnosis: The diagnosis is typically made based on clinical evaluation, patient history, and may involve endoscopic examination to assess the esophagus. Blood tests to evaluate iron levels and anemia are also crucial [9].

• Treatment: Management of sideropenic dysphagia focuses on addressing the underlying iron deficiency through dietary changes, iron supplementation, and treating any underlying causes of blood loss. In some cases, dilation of the esophagus may be necessary if strictures are present [5][9].

• Billable Code: D50.1 is a billable code, meaning it can be used for reimbursement purposes in healthcare settings. It became effective on October 1, 2024, as part of the ICD-10-CM coding system [11][15].

This condition highlights the importance of recognizing the link between nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal symptoms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and management strategies.

Sideropenic dysphagia, classified under ICD-10 code D50.1, is a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to iron deficiency, which leads to a reduction in hemoglobin levels and can affect the mucosal integrity of the esophagus. Here are the clinical presentations, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition:

Clinical Presentation

• Dysphagia: The primary symptom is difficulty swallowing, which may be intermittent or progressive.
• Iron Deficiency Symptoms: Patients may exhibit general symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor.

Signs and Symptoms

• Esophageal Symptoms:
• Odynophagia: Painful swallowing may occur alongside dysphagia.
• Globus Sensation: A feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
• Nausea: Some patients may experience nausea, particularly if swallowing is painful.
• Regurgitation: Occasional regurgitation of food may occur.
• Systemic Symptoms:
• Fatigue: Due to anemia, patients often report significant fatigue.
• Pica: Some individuals may develop cravings for non-nutritive substances (e.g., ice, dirt) due to iron deficiency.

Patient Characteristics

• Demographics:
• More common in women, particularly those of childbearing age, due to menstrual blood loss and dietary factors.
• Can also occur in older adults, especially those with dietary restrictions or malabsorption issues.
• Risk Factors:
• Dietary Deficiency: Low intake of iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, leafy greens).
• Chronic Blood Loss: Conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual periods, or peptic ulcers.
• Malabsorption Syndromes: Conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease that impair nutrient absorption.

Diagnosis and Management

• Diagnosis: Typically involves blood tests to assess hemoglobin levels and iron studies, along with endoscopic evaluation if necessary to rule out structural abnormalities.
• Management: Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying iron deficiency through dietary changes, iron supplementation, and managing any contributing factors.

Understanding these aspects of sideropenic dysphagia can aid in early recognition and appropriate management of the condition, improving patient outcomes.

The ICD-10 code D50.1, which refers to Sideropenic dysphagia, is associated with several alternative names and related terms. Here are the key terms:

• Sideropenic dysphagia: This is the primary term for the condition.
• Kelly-Paterson syndrome: This is a specific syndrome that falls under the umbrella of sideropenic dysphagia.
• Plummer-Vinson syndrome: Another related syndrome that is associated with this condition.
• Other iron deficiency anemias: This includes broader categories of conditions related to iron deficiency, which may also be relevant to D50.1.
• Iron deficiency anemia: A general term that encompasses various forms of anemia due to insufficient iron, which can lead to dysphagia in some cases.

These terms help in understanding the context and implications of the diagnosis associated with D50.1, as they highlight both specific syndromes and broader categories of related conditions [2][4][15].

The diagnosis of sideropenic dysphagia, represented by the ICD-10 code D50.1, is primarily associated with iron deficiency anemia. Here are the key criteria and information relevant to its diagnosis:

• Definition: Sideropenic dysphagia refers to swallowing difficulties that are specifically related to iron deficiency anemia. This condition arises when there is insufficient iron in the body, which can lead to various complications, including difficulties in swallowing [6].

• Clinical Information: The underlying causes of sideropenic dysphagia include:

• Low iron intake.
• Inefficient iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Chronic blood loss [2].

• ICD-10 Classification: The D50.1 code is classified under the range of diseases affecting the blood and blood-forming organs. It is a billable diagnosis code, meaning it can be used for reimbursement purposes in medical billing [1][10].

• Diagnostic Evaluation: When evaluating for sideropenic dysphagia, healthcare providers typically consider:

• Patient history and symptoms related to swallowing difficulties.
• Laboratory tests to assess iron levels, hemoglobin, and overall blood counts.

• Possible gastrointestinal evaluations to identify any underlying conditions affecting iron absorption or causing blood loss [4][14].

• Reimbursement Validity: The D50.1 code is valid for use in HIPAA-covered transactions for the fiscal year, specifically from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 [12].

These criteria help healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing sideropenic dysphagia effectively.

Sideropenic dysphagia, classified under ICD-10 code D50.1, is primarily associated with iron deficiency anemia and presents specific treatment approaches aimed at addressing both the dysphagia and the underlying iron deficiency. Here are the standard treatment methods:

• Iron Supplementation: The first line of treatment typically involves iron supplementation to correct the iron deficiency. This can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the deficiency and the patient's tolerance to oral iron.

• Dietary Modifications: Patients are often advised to increase their intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C-rich foods may also be recommended to enhance iron absorption.

• Mechanical Intervention: In cases where dysphagia is severe, mechanical widening of the esophagus may be necessary. This procedure can help alleviate the obstruction caused by esophageal narrowing, which is often a result of the iron deficiency.

• Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the patient's response to treatment, including improvements in swallowing and resolution of anemia. Blood tests may be conducted to assess hemoglobin levels and iron stores.

• Education and Support: Providing education about the condition and its management is crucial. Patients may benefit from support groups or counseling to help them cope with the challenges of living with dysphagia and anemia.

These treatment strategies generally lead to a favorable outcome for patients suffering from sideropenic dysphagia, as they address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of the condition [7][5].