Disorders of zinc metabolism

This code represents a range of conditions characterized by an imbalance in the body's zinc levels, either due to deficiency (hypozincemia) or excess (hyperzincemia). These disorders can affect various bodily functions, including immune response, wound healing, and growth.

Use this code when documentation indicates a diagnosed disorder of zinc metabolism, such as acquired zinc deficiency, acrodermatitis enteropathica (a genetic zinc malabsorption disorder), or zinc toxicity. Supporting documentation should include laboratory findings confirming abnormal zinc levels and a physician's diagnosis of a zinc metabolism disorder.

• Do not use this code for general nutritional deficiencies unless zinc metabolism is specifically implicated.
• Always review the medical record for specific causes or manifestations of the zinc disorder, which may require additional codes.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if the zinc metabolism disorder is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it's a co-morbidity.