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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE71.44

E71.44

Billable

Other secondary carnitine deficiency

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E71.44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary carnitine deficiency.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Other secondary carnitine deficiency refers to a metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency in carnitine, which is essential for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. This condition can arise from various underlying causes, including chronic renal disease, malnutrition, or certain medications that interfere with carnitine metabolism. Unlike primary carnitine deficiency, which is a genetic disorder, secondary carnitine deficiency is often reversible if the underlying cause is addressed. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, hypoglycemia, and cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure carnitine levels in blood and urine, alongside a thorough clinical history to identify potential contributing factors. Management may include dietary modifications, supplementation with carnitine, and treatment of the underlying condition. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary carnitine deficiency
  • Identifying underlying causes that may contribute to the deficiency
  • Need for biochemical testing to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other metabolic disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of deficiency
  • Failure to document biochemical test results
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary deficiency
  • Lack of clear treatment plans in medical records

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed metabolic assessment and documentation of biochemical test results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or metabolic crises.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of any renal issues or medications that may contribute to carnitine deficiency.

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive renal function tests and history of dialysis or renal replacement therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic kidney disease experiencing muscle weakness or metabolic disturbances.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of renal function on carnitine levels and any supplementation provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E71.44 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E71
  • 44 should be used when the deficiency is secondary to another condition
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause is documented and coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E71.44 When
  • Exclusion criteria include primary carnitine deficiency and other specific metabolic disorders that do not fall under secondary deficiency

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

84478CPT Code

Carnitine, serum

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of carnitine deficiency.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical history.

Specialty Considerations

Endocrinologists should ensure comprehensive metabolic evaluations are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including secondary carnitine deficiency. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for treatment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including secondary carnitine deficiency. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for treatment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including secondary carnitine deficiency. This specificity aids in better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation for treatment.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Carnitine Deficiency: A Clinical Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Carnitine Deficiency: A Clinical Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of secondary carnitine deficiency?

Common causes include chronic kidney disease, malnutrition, certain medications, and metabolic disorders that impair carnitine absorption or utilization.