ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code E54: Ascorbic acid deficiency
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 ascorbic acid deficiency 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
- Deficiency of vitamin C
- Scurvy
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- scorbutic anemia (D53.2)
- sequelae of vitamin C deficiency (E64.2)
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 deficiencycategoryE52Niacin deficiency [pellagra]codeE53Deficiency of other B group vitaminscategoryE55Vitamin 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 deficiencyE52Niacin deficiency [pellagra]billableE53Deficiency of other B group vitaminsE55Vitamin D deficiencyE56Other vitamin deficienciesE58Dietary calcium deficiencybillableE59Dietary selenium deficiencybillableE60Dietary zinc deficiencybillableE61Deficiency of other nutrient elementsE63Other nutritional deficienciesE64Sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 131129005high
Ascorbic acid below reference range
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 76169001high
Ascorbic acid deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 109859000high
Ascorbic acid deficiency with hemorrhage
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 714128003high
Gingival disease due to ascorbic acid deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 880109007high
Inadequate intake of ascorbic acid
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 88153005high
Infantile scurvy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
E54
Common synonyms
Ascorbic acid deficiency
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.