Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
What is Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body does not have sufficient vitamin D to support normal calcium absorption and bone health. This condition may lead to weak bones, frequent illness, muscle pain, and fatigue. Long-term deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and rickets in children.
Vitamin D Deficiency ICD-10 Code
In the ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) system, vitamin D deficiency is classified under:
- E55.9 – Vitamin D deficiency, unspecified
This code is commonly used by healthcare professionals when a patient is diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency without specifying the underlying cause.
Other related ICD-10 codes include:
- E55.0 – Rickets, active (caused by vitamin D deficiency in children)
- E55.8 – Other vitamin D deficiency (used for specific types not included in E55.0 or E55.9)
These codes are essential for medical documentation, insurance billing, and research purposes.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can vary from mild to severe. Common signs include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Frequent infections due to weak immunity
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Bone pain and joint discomfort
- Hair loss or brittle hair
- Depression or mood changes
In children, severe deficiency can cause rickets, which leads to soft and weak bones.
read about>>Is Heel Pain a Sign of Cancer?
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Several factors can increase the risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, including:
- Lack of sunlight exposure – The skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Limited sun exposure can lower levels.
- Poor diet – Not consuming enough vitamin D–rich foods like fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products.
- Medical conditions – Such as kidney disease, liver disease, or malabsorption syndromes.
- Age – Older adults are at higher risk due to reduced skin efficiency in producing vitamin D.
Diagnosis and ICD-10 Coding in Practice
Doctors usually diagnose vitamin D deficiency through a blood test measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. If the results show low levels, physicians record the diagnosis in medical charts and use the ICD-10 code E55.9 for reporting. This coding ensures accurate insurance claims and standardized patient records across healthcare systems.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency depends on the severity of the condition. Common recommendations include:
- Vitamin D supplements (oral tablets or capsules)
- Dietary changes – Include fatty fish, fortified milk, and egg yolks.
- Safe sun exposure – Spending 10–20 minutes outdoors daily can boost vitamin D production.
- Addressing underlying health conditions that may reduce vitamin D absorption.
Doctors may monitor vitamin D levels with follow-up blood tests to ensure improvement.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common health issue that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. The ICD-10 code E55.9 is the standard classification used by healthcare providers to document and manage this condition. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and following proper treatment, individuals can restore healthy vitamin D levels and improve their overall well-being.
