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 CodesE71.42

E71.42

Billable

Carnitine deficiency due to inborn errors of metabolism

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E71.42 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carnitine deficiency due to inborn errors of metabolism.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Carnitine deficiency is a metabolic disorder characterized by the impaired transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, leading to an inability to utilize fat as an energy source. This condition is often caused by genetic mutations affecting the enzymes responsible for carnitine synthesis or transport. Inborn errors of metabolism, such as primary carnitine deficiency, can result in severe clinical manifestations, including muscle weakness, hypoglycemia, cardiomyopathy, and liver dysfunction. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure carnitine levels in blood and urine, alongside genetic testing to identify specific mutations. Management may include dietary modifications, carnitine supplementation, and monitoring for associated complications. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term sequelae and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of metabolic pathways and enzyme functions.
  • Involves genetic testing and interpretation of results.
  • Differentiation from other metabolic disorders can be challenging.
  • Documentation must include specific biochemical and genetic findings.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of biochemical testing results.
  • Failure to include genetic testing outcomes.
  • Misclassification of the type of carnitine deficiency.
  • Lack of clarity on the patient's clinical presentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed family history and genetic test results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained metabolic crises or developmental delays.

Billing Considerations

Ensure genetic counseling notes are included for accurate coding.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts, developmental assessments, and metabolic screening results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants with hypotonia or failure to thrive.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to metabolic specialists.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E71.42 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding metabolic disorders, ensuring accurate documentation of the underlying genetic condition and associated symptoms
  • Include any relevant laboratory results and clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E71.42 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

81200CPT Code

Genetic testing for carnitine transporter deficiency

Clinical Scenario

Used when genetic testing is performed to confirm diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Include test results and clinical rationale for testing.

Specialty Considerations

Genetic specialists should document family history and phenotype.

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, facilitating better tracking of carnitine deficiency cases and improving patient management through targeted interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of metabolic disorders, facilitating better tracking of carnitine deficiency cases and improving patient management through targeted interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of metabolic disorders, facilitating better tracking of carnitine deficiency cases and improving patient management through targeted interventions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Genetic Metabolic Disorders Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Genetic Metabolic Disorders Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of carnitine deficiency?

Common symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, hypoglycemia, cardiomyopathy, and liver dysfunction. Symptoms can vary based on the severity of the deficiency and the age of onset.