Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Vitamin D Deficiency(E55.9, E55.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Vitamin D Deficiency. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hypovitaminosis DVitamin D Insufficiency

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vitamin D Deficiency

E55-E64Primary Range

Nutritional deficiencies

This range includes codes for vitamin D deficiency and related nutritional disorders.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E55.9Vitamin D deficiency, unspecifiedUse when vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed without specific complications like rickets.
  • Serum 25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL
  • Presence of symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness
E55.0Rickets, activeUse when rickets is confirmed by clinical and radiographic findings.
  • Radiographic evidence of rickets
  • Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hypovitaminosis D

Essential facts and insights about Vitamin D Deficiency

The ICD-10 code for hypovitaminosis D is E55.9, used for vitamin D deficiency without specific complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypovitaminosis disorder

Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum 25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL with symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Include lab results and at least two symptoms

Applicable To

  • Hypovitaminosis D
  • Vitamin D deficiency NOS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum 25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL
  • Presence of symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without documented lab results
  • Failing to specify symptoms

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific lab values and symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Long term (current) use of other agents

Z79.8
Use when documenting long-term vitamin D supplementation.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Rickets, active

E55.0
Use E55.0 when rickets is confirmed by radiographic evidence.

Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified

E55.9
Use E55.9 when deficiency is present without rickets.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vitamin D Deficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E55.9.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure symptoms are clearly documented, Use standardized templates for documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied without lab evidence., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include serum 25(OH)D levels in documentation.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of vitamin D deficiency.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab values and symptoms are documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Vitamin D Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Vitamin D Deficiency

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Vitamin D Deficiency. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Serum 25(OH)D level
  • Symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness
  • Plan for supplementation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and bone pain. Serum 25(OH)D level is 15 ng/mL. Plan: Cholecalciferol 50,000 IU weekly.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low vitamin D.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has serum 25(OH)D level of 15 ng/mL with fatigue and bone pain. Plan: Cholecalciferol 50,000 IU weekly.
Explanation
The good example includes specific lab values and symptoms, providing clear justification for treatment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Vitamin D Deficiency? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more