Other nutritional deficiencies
ICD-10 Codes (48)
E51E51.1E51.11E51.12E51.2E51.8E51.9E52E53E53.0E53.1E53.8E53.9E54E55E55.0E55.9E56E56.0E56.1E56.8E56.9E58E59E60E61E61.0E61.1E61.2E61.3E61.4E61.5E61.6E61.7E61.8E61.9E63E63.0E63.1E63.8E63.9E64E64.0E64.1E64.2E64.3E64.8E64.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for E50-E64 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range E50-E64, titled 'Other Nutritional Deficiencies,' is used to document various types of nutritional deficiencies not classified elsewhere. These codes cover a wide range of conditions, from vitamin deficiencies such as Vitamin A, D, E, K, and B-complex deficiencies, to protein-calorie malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies. These codes are essential in accurately documenting a patient's nutritional status and the specific deficiencies they are experiencing.
Key Usage Points:
- •E50-E64 codes are used to document nutritional deficiencies, not dietary preferences or restrictions.
- •These codes are not used for patients with normal lab results who are on a preventative supplement regimen.
- •Always code the specific deficiency if known, rather than using a more general code.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or manifestations.
- •Remember to update codes as the patient's nutritional status changes.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with signs or symptoms, and lab results confirm a specific nutritional deficiency.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as scurvy or rickets.
- ✓When a patient is receiving treatment for a specific nutritional deficiency.
- ✓When a patient's nutritional deficiency is impacting their overall health or recovery from another condition.
- ✓When a patient has a history of a specific nutritional deficiency that is relevant to their current care.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient is taking nutritional supplements as a preventative measure, without a diagnosed deficiency.
- ✗When a patient follows a specific diet (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) but does not have a diagnosed deficiency.
- ✗When a patient has an eating disorder, but no specific nutritional deficiencies have been diagnosed.
- ✗When a patient's lab results show borderline or slightly low levels, but there is no clinical diagnosis of a deficiency.
- ✗When a patient's nutritional status is normal.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10 coding manual to ensure accurate coding.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for E50-E64 codes requires clear, detailed clinical information. The specific deficiency should be identified, along with any associated conditions or manifestations. The impact of the deficiency on the patient's overall health or recovery should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific nutritional deficiency diagnosed
- •Signs and symptoms presented
- •Lab results confirming the deficiency
- •Treatment plan for the deficiency
- •Impact of the deficiency on the patient's overall health or recovery
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab reports
- •Clinical notes
- •Dietary history
- •Medication and supplement list
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presented with fatigue, muscle weakness, and bone pain. Lab results confirmed a Vitamin D deficiency. The patient is being started on a high-dose Vitamin D supplement regimen.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient is tired and has been started on Vitamin D.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not documenting the specific deficiency
- âš Not including lab results that confirm the deficiency
- âš Not updating codes as the patient's nutritional status changes
- âš Using a nutritional deficiency code for a patient on a preventative supplement regimen
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for nutritional deficiencies can be complex due to the need to identify the specific deficiency, code any associated conditions or manifestations, and update codes as the patient's nutritional status changes. Additionally, understanding the clinical context and impact of the deficiency is crucial for accurate coding.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Identifying the specific deficiency
- â–¸Coding associated conditions or manifestations
- â–¸Updating codes as the patient's nutritional status changes
- â–¸Navigating code exclusions
- â–¸Understanding the clinical context and impact of the deficiency
Specialty Focus
E50-E64 codes are commonly used in primary care, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and dietetics. These specialties often deal with conditions and diseases caused by or associated with nutritional deficiencies.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with Crohn's disease presenting with a Vitamin B12 deficiency
- • A patient with osteoporosis diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency
- • A patient with a history of alcohol abuse presenting with a thiamine deficiency
- • A vegan patient diagnosed with a Vitamin B12 deficiency
- • A patient with unexplained fatigue diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia
Resources & References
Several resources are available to assist with coding nutritional deficiencies. These include the official ICD-10 coding manual, clinical reference materials, and educational resources from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization ICD-10 Browser
- National Center for Health Statistics ICD-10-CM Index
Clinical References:
- UpToDate: Overview of Vitamin Deficiency and Toxicity
- Mayo Clinic: Malnutrition
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ICD-10 Training
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an E50-E64 code for a patient who is taking supplements as a preventative measure?
No, these codes should only be used for diagnosed nutritional deficiencies. If a patient is taking supplements as a preventative measure without a diagnosed deficiency, these codes would not be appropriate.