Is ICD-10-CM code E73 billable?

No, E73 (Lactose intolerance) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code E73 belong to?

E73 belongs to Chapter 4 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: E00–E89 (Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases).

E73Not billable, use a more specific code below

Lactose intolerance

In Metabolic disorders (E70-E88), chapter 4: Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

4 billable codes under E73: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Metabolic disorders (E70-E88)

These notes sit on E70-E88 and apply to every code under it, including E73.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

androgen insensitivity syndrome (E34.5-)
congenital adrenal hyperplasia (E25.0)
hemolytic anemias attributable to enzyme disorders (D55.-)
Marfan syndrome (Q87.4-)
5-alpha-reductase deficiency (E29.1)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (Q79.6-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers diabetes mellitus coding, including type, insulin and drug use, pump malfunction and secondary diabetes, plus obesity and obesity class codes.

Diabetes mellitus (page 39)
Obesity (page 42)

Read Section I.C.4 (page 39)

All codes under E73

E73 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

E73 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under E73 group to MS-DRG 391 or 392 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to E73

Notes on these codes point to E73.

E74.3 Excludes2: lactose intolerance (E73.-)
K90.4 Excludes2: lactose intolerance (E73.-)
R79 Excludes1: specific findings indicating disorder of carbohydrate metabolism (E73-E74)
R80-R82 Excludes1: specific findings indicating disorder of carbohydrate metabolism (E73-E74)
Z91.011 Excludes1: lactose intolerance (E73.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance means that you cannot digest foods with lactose in them. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and foods made with milk. After eating foods with lactose in them, you may feel sick to your stomach. You may also have:

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.