E55.0

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A condition where bones fail to develop properly in children due to vitamin D deficiency, causing soft and weak bones that may become deformed.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code for active rickets cases; ensure documentation specifies vitamin D deficiency as the cause
• •This is a manifestation code - always investigate and code the underlying vitamin D deficiency separately if not already documented

Clinical Significance

Active rickets is a childhood bone disorder caused by severe vitamin D deficiency, leading to defective mineralization of growing bones. Children present with bowed legs, widened wrists and ankles, rachitic rosary (costochondral beading), craniotabes, and growth retardation. Early recognition and treatment with vitamin D supplementation can prevent permanent skeletal deformities and fractures.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation must include clinical findings (skeletal deformities, growth impairment), radiographic evidence showing widened growth plates with fraying and cupping, and laboratory results confirming vitamin D deficiency (low 25-hydroxyvitamin D), elevated alkaline phosphatase, and potentially low calcium and phosphorus levels.
• ✓The provider should document the cause of vitamin D deficiency (dietary, malabsorption, lack of sun exposure) and treatment initiated.

Commonly Confused Codes