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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE51.9

E51.9

Billable

Thiamine deficiency, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E51.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of thiamine deficiency, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Thiamine deficiency, also known as vitamin B1 deficiency, is a condition that arises when the body does not receive enough thiamine, an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. Thiamine is vital for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, and its deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including Wernicke's encephalopathy and beriberi. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency may include fatigue, irritability, reduced reflexes, muscle weakness, and neurological disturbances. The condition is often seen in populations with poor dietary intake, such as those with chronic alcoholism, malabsorption syndromes, or those on restrictive diets. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation and may be supported by laboratory tests measuring thiamine levels. Treatment includes dietary modifications to increase thiamine intake, supplementation with thiamine, and addressing underlying causes of deficiency. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize the signs and symptoms of thiamine deficiency to prevent complications and ensure timely intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Differentiation from other vitamin deficiencies
  • Need for thorough dietary history assessment
  • Potential for coexisting conditions affecting diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of dietary history
  • Failure to specify the cause of deficiency
  • Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nutrition

Documentation Requirements

Detailed dietary assessments and patient history are essential to establish the diagnosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fatigue, neurological symptoms, or those with a history of malnutrition.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of other vitamin deficiencies and the patient's overall nutritional status is critical.

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive clinical evaluation and laboratory tests to confirm deficiency.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic illnesses, malabsorption syndromes, or those on restrictive diets.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any underlying conditions contributing to the deficiency is important for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E51.9 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, E51
  • 9 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of thiamine deficiency without specification of the underlying cause
  • It is important to document any related conditions that may contribute to the deficiency

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E51.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient for thiamine deficiency symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, symptoms, and any dietary assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Nutrition specialists may require more detailed dietary logs.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin deficiencies, including thiamine deficiency. This specificity aids in better tracking of nutritional deficiencies and their management in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin deficiencies, including thiamine deficiency. This specificity aids in better tracking of nutritional deficiencies and their management in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin deficiencies, including thiamine deficiency. This specificity aids in better tracking of nutritional deficiencies and their management in clinical practice.

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 fatigue, irritability, muscle weakness, and neurological disturbances such as confusion and ataxia.

How is thiamine deficiency diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, dietary history assessment, and laboratory tests measuring thiamine levels.

What dietary sources are rich in thiamine?

Good dietary sources of thiamine include whole grains, legumes, nuts, and pork.