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ICD-10 Coding for Vitamin Deficiency(E55.9, D52.9)

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

Also known as:

HypovitaminosisVitamin Insufficiency

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vitamin Deficiency

E50-E64Primary Range

Nutritional deficiencies

This range includes all vitamin deficiencies, providing specific codes for different types of vitamin deficiencies.

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 confirmed by lab results and no specific underlying cause is identified.
  • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL
  • Presence of symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness
D52.9Folate deficiency anemia, unspecifiedUse when folate deficiency anemia is confirmed by lab results.
  • MCV >100 fL
  • Serum folate <3 ng/mL

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 vitamin D deficiency

Essential facts and insights about Vitamin Deficiency

The ICD-10 code for unspecified vitamin D deficiency is E55.9, used when lab results confirm deficiency without a specific underlying cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vitamin deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL

documentation Criteria

  • Document symptoms such as bone pain or muscle weakness

Applicable To

  • Hypovitaminosis D

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

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

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without lab confirmation
  • Not documenting symptoms

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab results are documented to support the deficiency diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Osteoporosis without current pathological fracture

M81.0
Use with E55.9 if osteoporosis is due to vitamin D deficiency.

Differential Codes

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

Rickets, active

E55.0
Use E55.0 if rickets is confirmed by radiologic evidence.

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified

D51.9
Use D51.9 if B12 deficiency is confirmed and folate levels are normal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vitamin 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 treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure symptoms are documented in clinical notes, Use templates to guide documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm lab results and symptoms to use the most specific code available.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified coding without lab confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all deficiency diagnoses are supported by lab results.

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 Deficiency, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Vitamin Deficiency

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

Vitamin D deficiency in primary care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low vitamin D.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with fatigue and muscle weakness. Lab results show 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at 15 ng/mL. Plan includes vitamin D supplementation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and symptoms, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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