Deficiency of vitamin K

This code signifies a nutritional deficiency specifically related to inadequate intake, absorption, or utilization of vitamin K in an adult or child beyond the neonatal period. Vitamin K is crucial for the synthesis of several blood clotting factors and bone metabolism.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a systemic lack of vitamin K, often presenting with bleeding tendencies, easy bruising, or prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) not attributable to other coagulation disorders. Supporting documentation should specify the vitamin K deficiency as the underlying cause.

• Differentiate from coagulation factor deficiencies that are secondary to vitamin K deficiency; these have a distinct code.
• Ensure the patient is not a newborn, as neonatal vitamin K deficiency has a specific perinatal code.
• Look for provider documentation explicitly stating "vitamin K deficiency" or similar, rather than just abnormal coagulation studies.