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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE56.9

E56.9

Billable

Vitamin deficiency, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 E56.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vitamin deficiency, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vitamin deficiency, unspecified (E56.9) refers to a condition characterized by a lack of essential vitamins in the body, which can lead to various health issues. Vitamins are organic compounds that are crucial for normal metabolic functions, and deficiencies can arise from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes, or increased physiological demands. Common vitamin deficiencies include Vitamin A (essential for vision and immune function), Vitamin B complex (involved in energy metabolism and neurological function), Vitamin C (important for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection), and Vitamin D (critical for calcium absorption and bone health). Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies can vary widely, including fatigue, weakness, skin changes, and neurological disturbances. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation and laboratory testing to identify specific deficiencies. Treatment may include dietary modifications, oral supplements, or intramuscular injections, depending on the severity and type of deficiency. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess dietary habits and consider supplementation in at-risk populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes for vitamin deficiencies.
  • Need for thorough patient history and dietary assessment.
  • Differentiation between specific vitamin deficiencies may be required.
  • Potential overlap with other nutritional deficiency codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of dietary intake.
  • Lack of laboratory results to support diagnosis.
  • Failure to specify the type of vitamin deficiency when known.
  • Inadequate clinical correlation between symptoms and diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nutritionist/Dietitian

Documentation Requirements

Detailed dietary assessments and patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with malnutrition, chronic illness, or dietary restrictions.

Billing Considerations

Emphasis on dietary recommendations and monitoring of vitamin levels.

Primary Care Physician

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient evaluations and lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine check-ups revealing signs of deficiency or patients presenting with vague symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Need for follow-up on treatment efficacy and dietary adherence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E56.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E56
  • 9 should be used when the specific vitamin deficiency is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and that other specific deficiency codes are not applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E56.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of vitamin deficiency.

Documentation Requirements

Document patient history, examination findings, and any lab results.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care physicians should ensure comprehensive evaluations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding vitamin deficiencies, enabling better tracking of public health trends and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding vitamin deficiencies, enabling better tracking of public health trends and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding vitamin deficiencies, enabling better tracking of public health trends and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of E56.9?

Document a thorough patient history, dietary assessments, and any relevant laboratory results that indicate a vitamin deficiency. Ensure that the clinical symptoms correlate with the diagnosis.