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ICD-10 Coding for Zinc Deficiency(E60)

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

Also known as:

Dietary Zinc DeficiencyHypozincemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Zinc Deficiency

E50-E64Primary Range

Other nutritional deficiencies

This range includes specific nutritional deficiencies, including zinc deficiency, coded as E60.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for zinc deficiency

Essential facts and insights about Zinc Deficiency

The ICD-10 code for dietary zinc deficiency is E60, used when the deficiency is due to inadequate dietary intake.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for zinc deficiency

Dietary zinc deficiency
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of dietary insufficiency and symptoms

coding Criteria

  • Zinc deficiency due to non-dietary causes should not use E60

documentation Criteria

  • Document dietary history and symptoms

Applicable To

  • Zinc deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake

Excludes

  • Zinc deficiency due to malabsorption (K90.0)
  • Zinc deficiency due to alcoholism (F10.20)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum zinc level <60 mcg/dL
  • Presence of symptoms such as alopecia, taste disorders, delayed wound healing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding zinc deficiency due to non-dietary causes as E60

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies dietary cause to use E60.

Ancillary Codes

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

Celiac disease

K90.0
Use as primary code if zinc deficiency is due to malabsorption.

Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated

F10.20
Use as primary code if zinc deficiency is due to alcoholism.

Differential Codes

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

Celiac disease

K90.0
Use K90.0 when zinc deficiency is due to malabsorption.

Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated

F10.20
Use F10.20 when zinc deficiency is due to alcoholism.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Zinc Deficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E60.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Risk of claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document dietary intake and symptoms., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying condition causing malabsorption first, then E60.

Impact

Lack of dietary cause documentation can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all patient records include detailed dietary history.

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

Documentation Templates for Zinc Deficiency

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

Gastroenterology assessment for zinc deficiency

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Dietary history
  • GI symptoms
  • Zinc deficiency signs
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

Patient reports chronic diarrhea and poor appetite. Serum zinc level 55 mcg/dL. Diagnosed with dietary zinc deficiency due to long-term vegan diet without supplementation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Low zinc; recommend supplements.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 6-month history of taste changes and hair loss. Strict vegan diet ×3 years without supplementation. Serum zinc: 52 mcg/dL. Diagnosed with dietary zinc deficiency (E60).
Explanation
The good example provides detailed dietary history, symptoms, and lab results, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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