Vitamin A deficiency (E50) ICD-10-CM
The E50 code range covers vitamin a deficiency with 11 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 10 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- sequelae of vitamin A deficiency E64.1
Codes in the E50 Range 11 codes · 10 billable
- E50 Vitamin A deficiencyNon-billable
- E50.0 Vitamin A deficiency with conjunctival xerosis
- E50.1 Vitamin A deficiency with Bitot's spot and conjunctival xerosis
- E50.2 Vitamin A deficiency with corneal xerosis
- E50.3 Vitamin A deficiency with corneal ulceration and xerosis
- E50.4 Vitamin A deficiency with keratomalacia
- E50.5 Vitamin A deficiency with night blindness
- E50.6 Vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmic scars of cornea
- E50.7 Other ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency
- E50.8 Other manifestations of vitamin A deficiency
- E50.9 Vitamin A deficiency, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the E50 range.
Night Blindness
Failure or imperfection of vision at night or in dim light, with good vision only on bright days. (Dorland, 27th ed)
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)
Xerophthalmia
Dryness of the eye surfaces caused by deficiency of tears or conjunctival secretions. It may be associated with vitamin A deficiency, trauma, or any condition in which the eyelids do not close completely.
About the E50 Code Range
Vitamin A deficiency is categorized under the ICD-10 code E50, addressing conditions caused by insufficient vitamin A. This section specifies various ocular and systemic complications linked to this deficiency, captured in distinct codes for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.
The ICD-10 codes for vitamin A deficiency range from E50.0 to E50.9, each describing specific clinical manifestations. For example, E50.0 and E50.1 denote deficiency with conjunctival xerosis and Bitot's spot respectively—common terms for dry eye conditions related to vitamin A levels. E50.3 and E50.4 cover more severe eye issues such as corneal ulceration and keratomalacia, often referred to as xerophthalmia. Night blindness, also called acquired night blindness, is identified by E50.5. Other codes capture related skin conditions like follicular keratosis under E50.8 and unspecified vitamin A deficiency including hereditary and intake-related disorders in E50.9. These ICD-10 codes ensure detailed documentation for vitamin A deficiency's varied presentations, facilitating precise health records and proper medical care.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the E50 range?
Of the 11 codes in this range, 10 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the E50 range classify?
The range classifies vitamin a deficiency. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
