What is the ICD-10 code for milk intolerance?

The ICD-10 code for unspecified lactose intolerance is E73.9. For congenital lactase deficiency, use E73.0, and for secondary lactase deficiency, use E73.1.

How is lactose intolerance documented?

Document lactose intolerance by noting specific symptoms, test results like hydrogen breath test, and dietary recommendations. Ensure clear linkage between symptoms and diagnosis.

ICD-10 Coding for Milk Intolerance(E73.9, E73.0, E73.1)

Save

Explore ICD-10 codes for milk intolerance, including E73.9, E73.0, and E73.1. Learn about documentation requirements and coding best practices.

Also known as:

Lactose IntoleranceDairy Intolerance

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Milk Intolerance

E00-E89Primary Range

Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases

→

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 diagnosed but not further specified.	Hydrogen breath test showing ≥20 ppm increase Lactose tolerance test with glucose rise <20 mg/dL
E73.0	Congenital lactase deficiency	Use when congenital lactase deficiency is confirmed genetically.	Genetic testing confirming LCT gene mutation
E73.1	Secondary lactase deficiency	Use when lactase deficiency is secondary to another condition like Crohn’s disease.	Documentation of underlying condition causing deficiency

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

Use only if IgE-mediated allergy is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Milk Intolerance.

Vague documentation of symptoms

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Increases risk of audit, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation

Use specific terms and test results, Ensure clear linkage between symptoms and diagnosis

Confusing milk allergy with lactose intolerance

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Misclassification may result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation

Use E73.- codes for intolerance and Z91.011 for confirmed allergies.

Incorrect use of Z91.011

Impact

Using allergy codes for intolerance cases

Mitigation

Educate coders on the difference between allergy and intolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Primary Code

E73.9

Lactose intolerance, unspecified

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Milk Intolerance(E73.9, E73.0, E73.1)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for milk intolerance?

How is lactose intolerance documented?

Related condition guides