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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 4: Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseasesE56

E56

Billable

Other vitamin deficiencies

Chapter 4:Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E56 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other vitamin deficiencies.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a variety of health issues, depending on the specific vitamin lacking in the diet. Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems and immune dysfunction, while B vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 and folate) can lead to anemia, neurological issues, and cognitive decline. Vitamin C deficiency, known as scurvy, results in symptoms like fatigue, gum disease, and skin issues. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with bone health problems, including rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. The diagnosis of vitamin deficiencies often involves clinical evaluation, dietary assessment, and laboratory tests to measure vitamin levels. Treatment typically includes dietary modifications, supplementation, and education on proper nutrition to prevent future deficiencies. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize the signs and symptoms of these deficiencies to initiate timely interventions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of vitamin deficiencies that can fall under this code
  • Need for thorough dietary history and clinical evaluation
  • Potential overlap with other nutritional deficiencies
  • Variability in presentation and symptoms among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of dietary history
  • Failure to document laboratory results
  • Misclassification of vitamin deficiencies
  • Lack of clear clinical correlation to symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nutritionist/Dietitian

Documentation Requirements

Detailed dietary assessments and patient history, including food intake and lifestyle factors.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, anemia, or skin issues.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of dietary recommendations and follow-up plans.

Primary Care Physician

Documentation Requirements

Clinical evaluations, laboratory test results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic illnesses or those on restrictive diets.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to specialists for further evaluation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E56 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 guidelines for coding vitamin deficiencies, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific vitamin involved
  • Include any relevant laboratory findings and clinical symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E56 When
  • Exclude codes for conditions that are not classified as vitamin deficiencies

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient for vitamin deficiency symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and any lab tests ordered.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the visit is clearly linked to the diagnosis of vitamin deficiency.

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, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity helps in tracking public health trends related to nutrition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin deficiencies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity helps in tracking public health trends related to nutrition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vitamin deficiencies, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity helps in tracking public health trends related to nutrition.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Nutritional Deficiencies: A Guide for Clinicians

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Nutritional Deficiencies: A Guide for Clinicians

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of vitamin deficiencies?

Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, anemia, skin issues, and neurological problems, depending on the specific vitamin deficiency.

How can vitamin deficiencies be diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, dietary history, and laboratory tests to measure vitamin levels.