ICD-10 Coding for Milk Intolerance(E73.9, E73.0, E73.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Milk Intolerance. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Milk Intolerance
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E73.9 | Lactose intolerance, unspecified | Use when lactose intolerance is diagnosed but not further specified. |
|
| E73.0 | Congenital lactase deficiency | Use when congenital lactase deficiency is confirmed genetically. |
|
| E73.1 | Secondary lactase deficiency | Use when lactase deficiency is secondary to another condition like Crohn’s disease. |
|
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 milk intolerance
Essential facts and insights about Milk Intolerance
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for milk intolerance
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of symptoms correlating with dairy intake and positive test results
Applicable To
- General lactose intolerance without further specification
Excludes
- Milk allergy (Z91.011)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Hydrogen breath test showing ≥20 ppm increase
- Lactose tolerance test with glucose rise <20 mg/dL
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documentation if specific tests are not noted
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation includes specific test results to support diagnosis.
E73.0 - Congenital lactase deficiency
Use when congenital lactase deficiency is confirmed genetically.
Applicable To
- Genetically confirmed lactase deficiency
Excludes
- Secondary lactase deficiency (E73.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Genetic testing confirming LCT gene mutation
Coding Notes
Document genetic test results clearly.
E73.1 - Secondary lactase deficiency
Use when lactase deficiency is secondary to another condition like Crohn’s disease.
Applicable To
- Lactase deficiency due to another condition
Excludes
- Congenital lactase deficiency (E73.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of underlying condition causing deficiency
Coding Notes
Ensure linkage to the primary condition is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Gas pain
R14.2Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Allergy to milk products
Z91.011Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Milk Intolerance to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E73.9.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Increases risk of audit, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms and test results, Ensure clear linkage between symptoms and diagnosis
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Misclassification may result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use E73.- codes for intolerance and Z91.011 for confirmed allergies.
Impact
Using allergy codes for intolerance cases
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on the difference between allergy and intolerance.
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 Milk Intolerance, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Milk Intolerance
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Milk Intolerance. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Adult with lactose intolerance symptoms
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient history of symptoms
- Test results
- Dietary recommendations
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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