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:
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
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E55.9 | Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified | Use when vitamin D deficiency is confirmed by lab results and no specific underlying cause is identified. |
|
| D52.9 | Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified | Use when folate deficiency anemia is confirmed by lab results. |
|
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
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vitamin deficiency
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
- Rickets (E55.0)
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.
D52.9 - Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified
Use when folate deficiency anemia is confirmed by lab results.
Applicable To
- Folic acid deficiency anemia
Excludes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (D51.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MCV >100 fL
- Serum folate <3 ng/mL
Coding Notes
Ensure lab results are documented to support the anemia diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
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 CareRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Lab results
- Treatment plan
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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