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ICD-10 Coding for Low Vitamin Disorder(E55.9, D51.9)

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

Also known as:

Vitamin DeficiencyHypovitaminosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Low Vitamin Disorder

E55-E64Primary Range

Nutritional deficiencies

This range includes codes for vitamin deficiencies, including Vitamin D and B12, which are primary concerns in low vitamin 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 but the specific cause is not documented.
  • Vitamin D level <20 ng/mL
  • Symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness
D51.9Vitamin B12 deficiency, unspecifiedUse when Vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed without a specified cause.
  • Vitamin B12 level <200 pg/mL
  • Symptoms such as macrocytic anemia or glossitis

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 low Vitamin D

Essential facts and insights about Low Vitamin Disorder

The ICD-10 code for unspecified Vitamin D deficiency is E55.9, used when the deficiency is diagnosed without a specific cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low vitamin disorder

Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Vitamin D level <20 ng/mL with symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific cause documentation

Applicable To

  • Vitamin D deficiency

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Vitamin D level <20 ng/mL
  • Symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code when more specific information is available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab values and symptoms are documented to support the use of E55.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adult osteomalacia due to malnutrition

M83.3
Use with E55.9 when malnutrition is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

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

Rickets, active

E55.0
Use E55.0 for pediatric cases with active rickets symptoms.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency

D51.0
Use D51.0 when intrinsic factor deficiency is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failure., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure symptoms are documented alongside lab results., Use templates to guide comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific causes or conditions related to the deficiency.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific lab values and symptoms.

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 Low Vitamin Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Low Vitamin Disorder

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

Vitamin D deficiency in an adult

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • Past medical history
  • Lab results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and bone pain. Lab results show Vitamin D level at 15 ng/mL. Diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified (E55.9). Plan includes supplementation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low Vitamin D, start supplements.
Good Documentation Example
Severe Vitamin D deficiency (10 ng/mL) with osteoporosis (T-score -3.1). Start ergocalciferol 50,000 IU twice weekly. Monitor for hypercalcemia.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values, diagnosis, and treatment plan, improving clarity and compliance.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Low Vitamin Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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