2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E50Vitamin A deficiency

ICD-10-CM Codes›E00–E89›E50-E64›E50

ICD-10-CM E50
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

E50 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for vitamin A deficiency, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as E50.0, E50.1, E50.2, and E50.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
E50
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Vitamin A deficiency
Short Description
Vitamin A deficiency
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
E50-E64
Other nutritional deficiencies

Code Classification

ChapterE00–E89Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
SectionE50-E64Other nutritional deficiencies
CategoryE50Vitamin A deficiency
This CodeE50Vitamin A deficiency

Specific Coding for Vitamin A deficiencyOverview

Non-specific codes like E50 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use E50.0 for Vitamin A deficiency with conjunctival xerosis

  • Use E50.1 for Vitamin A deficiency with Bitot's spot and conjunctival xerosis

  • Use E50.2 for Vitamin A deficiency with corneal xerosis

  • Use E50.3 for Vitamin A deficiency with corneal ulceration and xerosis

  • Use E50.4 for Vitamin A deficiency with keratomalacia

  • Use E50.5 for Vitamin A deficiency with night blindness

  • Use E50.6 for Vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmic scars of cornea

  • Use E50.7 for Other ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency

  • Use E50.8 for Other manifestations of vitamin A deficiency

  • Use E50.9 for Vitamin A deficiency, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

  • sequelae of vitamin A deficiency E64.1

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Vitamin A Deficiency

    a nutritional condition produced by a deficiency of vitamin a in the diet, characterized by night blindness and other ocular manifestations such as dryness of the conjunctiva and later of the cornea (xerophthalmia). vitamin a deficiency is a very common problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries as a consequence of famine or shortages of vitamin a-rich foods. in the united states it is found among the urban poor, the elderly, alcoholics, and patients with malabsorption. (from cecil textbook of medicine, 19th ed, p1179)

  • Vitamin A Deficiency

    deficiency of vitamin a due to malnutrition, malabsorption, or dietary lack. it is manifested with reduced night vision, night blindness, and xerophthalmia.

Patient EducationClinical

Malnutrition

Malnutrition means that your body isn't getting enough calories or the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy. This can happen if you don't get enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats, eat too much unhealthy food, or don't get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

The full article covers:

  • What is malnutrition?
  • What are the types of malnutrition?
  • What causes malnutrition?
  • Who is at risk for developing malnutrition?
  • What are the symptoms of malnutrition?
  • How is malnutrition diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for malnutrition?
  • Can malnutrition be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About E50Overview

Is E50 (Vitamin A deficiency) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for vitamin A deficiency, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for vitamin A deficiency need a more specific code from this category, such as E50.0, E50.1, and E50.2.