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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE74.20

E74.20

Billable

Disorders of galactose metabolism, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E74.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorders of galactose metabolism, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of galactose metabolism encompass a group of inherited metabolic conditions that affect the body's ability to process galactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. The most common disorder in this category is galactosemia, which is caused by deficiencies in specific enzymes responsible for galactose metabolism, primarily galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT). When these enzymes are deficient or absent, galactose accumulates in the body, leading to toxic effects on various organs, particularly the liver, brain, and kidneys. Symptoms may include jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, and failure to thrive in infants. Long-term complications can involve developmental delays, speech difficulties, and ovarian dysfunction in females. Diagnosis typically involves newborn screening and biochemical tests to measure enzyme activity or galactose levels. Management includes dietary restrictions to eliminate galactose from the diet, particularly avoiding milk and dairy products. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific enzyme deficiency has not been identified or documented, which can complicate treatment and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for biochemical testing to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for multiple enzyme deficiencies leading to similar symptoms
  • Documentation of dietary restrictions and management plans

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of enzyme testing results
  • Failure to document dietary management plans
  • Misclassification of the disorder due to unspecified nature
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on patient outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, dietary restrictions, and growth parameters.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with jaundice and failure to thrive.

Billing Considerations

Close monitoring of developmental milestones and dietary adherence.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results and family history of metabolic disorders.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Referral for genetic counseling and testing in families with a history of galactosemia.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of genetic counseling sessions and implications for family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E74.20 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E74
  • 20 should be used when the specific type of galactose metabolism disorder is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this unspecified code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E74.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

81250CPT Code

Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) gene analysis

Clinical Scenario

Used when testing for specific enzyme deficiencies in suspected cases of galactosemia.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of clinical indications for testing and informed consent.

Specialty Considerations

Genetic counseling may be required prior to testing.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, improving the ability to track and manage conditions like galactosemia. However, the unspecified nature of E74.20 may lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, improving the ability to track and manage conditions like galactosemia. However, the unspecified nature of E74.20 may lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of disorders of galactose metabolism?

Common symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, and failure to thrive in infants. Long-term complications can include developmental delays and reproductive issues.