ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code E56.9: Vitamin deficiency, unspecified
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 vitamin deficiency, unspecified 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
category
E56Other vitamin deficiencies
currentE56
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
Sibling codes
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
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
CPT 11055high
PARING OR CUTTING OF BENIGN HYPERKERATOTIC LESION (EG, CORN OR CALLUS); SINGLE LESION
Source: CMS coverage guidance
HCPCS G0127high
TRIMMING OF DYSTROPHIC NAILS, ANY NUMBER
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 1269397007high
Acquired ataxia due to vitamin deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 230352008high
Encephalopathy due to vitamin deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 441901000124101high
Inadequate vitamin intake
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 4039009high
Multiple vitamin deficiency disease
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 56684007high
Nutritional ataxic neuropathy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 85670002high
Vitamin deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
E56.9
Common synonyms
Vitamin deficiency, unspecifiedVitamin 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.