What is the ICD-10 code for lactose intolerance?

The ICD-10 code for lactose intolerance is E73.9, used when lactose intolerance is confirmed without specifying type.

How do you code non-celiac gluten sensitivity?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is coded as K90.41, requiring exclusion of celiac disease and symptom resolution on a gluten-free diet.

What tests confirm lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is confirmed by a hydrogen breath test showing a rise of ≥20ppm over baseline.

ICD-10 Coding for Food Intolerance(E73.9, K52.2, K90.0)

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Explore detailed ICD-10 coding guidelines for food intolerance, including lactose intolerance and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Learn about documentation requirements and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Non-IgE Mediated Food HypersensitivityLactose IntoleranceNon-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Food Intolerance

E00-E89Primary Range

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
E73.9	Lactose intolerance, unspecified	Use when lactose intolerance is confirmed without specifying type.	Hydrogen breath test showing ≥20ppm over baseline Documented lactase deficiency
K90.41	Non-celiac gluten sensitivity	Use when gluten sensitivity is confirmed and celiac disease is excluded.	Negative tTG-IgA and normal duodenal biopsy Symptom resolution on gluten-free diet
K52.2	Allergic and dietetic gastroenteritis and colitis	Use for FPIES diagnosis with typical delayed reaction.	≥2 episodes of delayed vomiting post-ingestion Exclusion of infectious causes

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Lactose intolerance, unspecified

E73.9Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Allergy to milk productsZ91.011

Celiac diseaseK90.0

Infectious gastroenteritisA09

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Food Intolerance.

Using allergy codes for intolerance conditions

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Denied claims due to incorrect coding

Mitigation

Verify allergy testing results, Use intolerance-specific codes

Confusing lactose intolerance with milk allergy

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation specifies lactase deficiency and excludes IgE-mediated reactions.

Misclassifying non-celiac gluten sensitivity as celiac disease

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Violation of coding standards., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.

Mitigation

Confirm negative serology and biopsy for celiac disease before coding K90.41.

Lactose intolerance coding

Impact

Risk of using allergy codes instead of intolerance codes.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation specifies lactase deficiency and excludes IgE-mediated reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with E73.9.

Primary Code

E73.9

Lactose intolerance, unspecified

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ICD-10 codes9

Coding risks4

FAQs3

ICD-10 Coding for Food Intolerance(E73.9, K52.2, K90.0)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for lactose intolerance?

How do you code non-celiac gluten sensitivity?

What tests confirm lactose intolerance?

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