ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code E52: Niacin deficiency [pellagra]
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents niacin deficiency [pellagra] in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
4Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89)
block
E50-E64Other nutritional deficiencies
currentE50-E64
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Niacin (-tryptophan) deficiency
- Nicotinamide deficiency
- Pellagra (alcoholic)
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- sequelae of niacin deficiency (E64.8)
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
EndocrinologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
E50Vitamin A deficiencycategoryE51Thiamine deficiencycategoryE53Deficiency of other B group vitaminscategoryE54Ascorbic acid deficiencycodeE55Vitamin D deficiencycategoryE56Other vitamin deficienciescategoryE58Dietary calcium deficiencycodeE59Dietary selenium deficiencycodeE60Dietary zinc deficiencycodeE61Deficiency of other nutrient elementscategoryE63Other nutritional deficienciescategoryE64Sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficienciescategory
Sibling codes
E50Vitamin A deficiencyE51Thiamine deficiencyE53Deficiency of other B group vitaminsE54Ascorbic acid deficiencybillableE55Vitamin D deficiencyE56Other vitamin deficienciesE58Dietary calcium deficiencybillableE59Dietary selenium deficiencybillableE60Dietary zinc deficiencybillableE61Deficiency of other nutrient elementsE63Other nutritional deficienciesE64Sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 11720high
DEBRIDEMENT OF NAIL(S) BY ANY METHOD(S); 1 TO 5
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11721high
DEBRIDEMENT OF NAIL(S) BY ANY METHOD(S); 6 OR MORE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
HCPCS G0127high
TRIMMING OF DYSTROPHIC NAILS, ANY NUMBER
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11719high
TRIMMING OF NONDYSTROPHIC NAILS, ANY NUMBER
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11056high
PARING OR CUTTING OF BENIGN HYPERKERATOTIC LESION (EG, CORN OR CALLUS); 2 TO 4 LESIONS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11057high
PARING OR CUTTING OF BENIGN HYPERKERATOTIC LESION (EG, CORN OR CALLUS); MORE THAN 4 LESIONS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 29756008high
Alcoholic pellagra
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 124238006high
Deficiency of nicotinamide methyltransferase
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1186881003high
Dementia due to niacin deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 788899002high
Dementia due to pellagra
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 880103008high
Inadequate intake of niacin
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 418279001high
Niacin deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
E52
Common synonyms
Niacin deficiency [pellagra]
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.