ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 4: Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseasesE51

E51

Billable

Thiamine deficiency

Chapter 4:Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of thiamine deficiency.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Thiamine deficiency, also known as vitamin B1 deficiency, is a condition that arises from inadequate intake or absorption of thiamine, a water-soluble vitamin essential for carbohydrate metabolism and neural function. Thiamine plays a crucial role in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and is vital for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including Wernicke's encephalopathy, Korsakoff syndrome, and beriberi, which can manifest as neurological symptoms, cardiovascular problems, and metabolic disturbances. Risk factors for thiamine deficiency include chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes), and prolonged parenteral nutrition without adequate supplementation. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical symptoms and dietary history, and treatment involves thiamine supplementation, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the deficiency. Preventive measures include dietary recommendations emphasizing thiamine-rich foods such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic deficiency symptoms
  • Understanding the relationship with alcohol use disorders
  • Identifying co-existing conditions that may complicate diagnosis
  • Navigating dietary recommendations and supplementation guidelines

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of dietary history
  • Failure to document the clinical rationale for thiamine supplementation
  • Misclassification of symptoms related to other vitamin deficiencies
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of dietary intake, symptoms, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neurological symptoms, chronic alcohol use, or malnutrition.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of patient history regarding alcohol use and dietary habits is crucial for accurate coding.

Nutrition

Documentation Requirements

Detailed dietary assessments and recommendations for supplementation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with malnutrition or those on restrictive diets.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include specific dietary recommendations and patient compliance.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E51 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E51 should be used when there is clear documentation of thiamine deficiency, with specific symptoms and dietary history noted
  • existing conditions that may impact treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E51 When
  • It is important to exclude other vitamin deficiencies and document any co

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with symptoms of thiamine deficiency for evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive documentation of dietary history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thiamine deficiency, enabling better tracking of nutritional deficiencies and their complications, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thiamine deficiency, enabling better tracking of nutritional deficiencies and their complications, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thiamine deficiency, enabling better tracking of nutritional deficiencies and their complications, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Institutes of Health - Thiamine

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Institutes of Health - Thiamine

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of thiamine deficiency?

Common symptoms include confusion, memory loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues such as swelling and rapid heartbeat.

How is thiamine deficiency treated?

Treatment typically involves thiamine supplementation, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the deficiency, along with dietary modifications to include thiamine-rich foods.