Lactose intolerance, unspecified
ICD-10 E73.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lactose intolerance, unspecified.
Lactose intolerance is a common metabolic disorder characterized by the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. This condition can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after the consumption of lactose-containing foods. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, depending on the amount of lactase produced and the quantity of lactose ingested. Lactose intolerance can be classified into primary, secondary, and congenital forms. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type, resulting from a decrease in lactase production after weaning. Secondary lactose intolerance can occur due to damage to the intestinal lining from infections, diseases, or medications. Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic condition where infants are born with little to no lactase enzyme. The unspecified designation in E73.9 indicates that the specific type or cause of lactose intolerance has not been determined, which may complicate diagnosis and management. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and dietary recommendations.
Detailed patient history, symptom description, and dietary assessments.
Patients presenting with abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea after dairy consumption.
Consideration of differential diagnoses such as IBS or IBD.
Growth charts, dietary intake assessments, and family history of lactose intolerance.
Infants or children with gastrointestinal symptoms after milk intake.
Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies in children with lactose intolerance.
Used to confirm lactose intolerance diagnosis.
Document the rationale for testing and patient symptoms.
Gastroenterology may require additional tests to rule out other conditions.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming dairy products.
Diagnosis is typically made through patient history, dietary assessments, and may be confirmed with tests such as hydrogen breath tests.
