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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE72.9

E72.9

Billable

Disorder of amino-acid metabolism, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E72.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorder of amino-acid metabolism, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of amino acid metabolism encompass a range of genetic and acquired conditions that disrupt the normal processing of amino acids, which are vital for protein synthesis and various metabolic pathways. These disorders can arise from enzyme deficiencies that hinder the conversion of amino acids into necessary compounds or the removal of toxic byproducts. Common examples include phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease, and homocystinuria, each resulting from specific enzyme deficiencies. Symptoms may vary widely, including developmental delays, neurological issues, and metabolic crises. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure amino acid levels in blood and urine, alongside genetic testing to identify specific mutations. Given the complexity of amino acid metabolism and the potential for overlapping symptoms with other metabolic disorders, accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for effective management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying genetic conditions leading to similar symptoms.
  • Need for biochemical testing to confirm diagnosis.
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with other metabolic disorders.
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of specific amino acid disorders.
  • Lack of biochemical test results in the medical record.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers.
  • Failure to update codes based on new genetic findings.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed family history and genetic testing results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with developmental delays or metabolic crises.

Billing Considerations

Ensure genetic testing results are included to support diagnosis.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts and developmental assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants with failure to thrive or unusual metabolic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the onset of symptoms and any dietary interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E72.9 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding unspecified conditions
  • Use E72
  • 9 when the specific amino acid disorder is not documented
  • Ensure that the medical record supports the diagnosis with appropriate clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E72.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

83088CPT Code

Amino Acid Analysis

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm diagnosis of amino acid metabolism disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Genetics specialists should ensure comprehensive metabolic panels 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, but the use of unspecified codes like E72.9 can lead to challenges in tracking and managing patient care effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, but the use of unspecified codes like E72.9 can lead to challenges in tracking and managing patient care effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, but the use of unspecified codes like E72.9 can lead to challenges in tracking and managing patient care effectively.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Genetic Metabolic Disorders Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Genetic Metabolic Disorders Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

When should E72.9 be used?

E72.9 should be used when there is a disorder of amino acid metabolism that is not specified. It is important to document any biochemical tests or clinical findings that support this diagnosis.