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

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

Also known as:

Nutritional DeficiencyHypovitaminosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vitamin Deficiency Disorder

E50-E64Primary Range

Nutritional deficiencies

This range includes all vitamin deficiency disorders, covering specific and unspecified conditions.

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 condition like rickets is diagnosed.
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL
E55.0Rickets, activeUse when rickets is confirmed by clinical and radiological findings.
  • Radiological evidence of rickets

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 Disorder

The ICD-10 code for unspecified vitamin D deficiency is E55.9, used when lab results confirm deficiency without specific conditions like rickets.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for deficiency vitamin disorder

Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL

documentation Criteria

  • Documented symptoms of deficiency such as fatigue or muscle weakness

Applicable To

  • Hypovitaminosis D

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if lab results are not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab results support the diagnosis of deficiency.

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 when rickets is confirmed by clinical and radiological findings.

Adult osteomalacia due to malnutrition

M83.3
Use M83.3 for osteomalacia in adults with malnutrition.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use precise terminology in documentation., Verify lab results before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of lab results leading to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results are included in the patient record and referenced in clinical notes.

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

Documentation Templates for Vitamin Deficiency Disorder

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

Vitamin D Deficiency Diagnosis

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fatigue and muscle weakness. Lab results show 25(OH)D=15 ng/mL. Plan: Vitamin D supplementation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has low vitamin D.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency based on 25(OH)D=15 ng/mL. Treatment initiated.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and a clear diagnosis.

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

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