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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE71.39

E71.39

Billable

Other disorders of fatty-acid metabolism

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E71.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other disorders of fatty-acid metabolism.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of fatty-acid metabolism encompass a range of metabolic conditions characterized by the body's inability to properly metabolize fatty acids due to enzyme deficiencies or genetic mutations. These disorders can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, resulting in various clinical manifestations such as hypoglycemia, muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy, and neurological deficits. Common examples include medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) and very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD). Patients may present with symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and failure to thrive, particularly during periods of fasting or illness. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure acylcarnitine levels and genetic testing to identify specific enzyme deficiencies. Management strategies often include dietary modifications, supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides, and careful monitoring to prevent metabolic crises. The complexity of these disorders necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving metabolic specialists, dietitians, and genetic counselors.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying genetic mutations
  • Need for biochemical testing for accurate diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other metabolic disorders
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of enzyme deficiencies
  • Failure to specify the type of fatty-acid disorder
  • Lack of supporting lab results
  • Misclassification of related metabolic disorders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed family history, growth parameters, and metabolic screening results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with hypoglycemia or failure to thrive.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of newborn screening results and follow-up testing.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family pedigree, and clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with a family history of metabolic disorders or unexplained neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of genetic counseling sessions and implications for family members.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E71.39 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific fatty
  • acid disorder when applicable
  • Include relevant lab results and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E71.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

81200CPT Code

Genetic testing for fatty-acid oxidation disorders

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient is suspected of having a fatty-acid metabolism disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of clinical symptoms and family history.

Specialty Considerations

Genetic counseling may be necessary for family members.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of metabolic disorders, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for these complex conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of metabolic disorders, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for these complex conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of metabolic disorders, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for these complex conditions.

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 fatty-acid metabolism disorders?

Common symptoms include hypoglycemia, muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy, and neurological issues, particularly during periods of fasting or illness.

How is a fatty-acid metabolism disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure acylcarnitine levels and genetic testing to identify specific enzyme deficiencies.