E73: ICD10 Code for Lactose intolerance
E73 is the ICD10 code used for documenting Lactose intolerance in clinical and billing records.

E73 refers to Lactose intolerance, a group of metabolic or genetic disorders affecting how the body processes key molecules like amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, or enzymes. These may be congenital or acquired, with implications for nutrition, growth, and systemic health.
Symptoms
- Developmental delay or cognitive impairment – Seen in inborn errors of metabolism
- Failure to thrive – Especially in pediatric cases like E74 or E84
- Abdominal pain or bloating – Typical of lactose intolerance (E73)
- Jaundice – In bilirubin or porphyrin metabolism disorders (E80)
- Electrolyte imbalance – Seen in volume depletion or acid-base disorders
- Frequent infections or mucus-related complications – In cystic fibrosis (E84)
- Chronic fatigue or organ dysfunction – In amyloidosis (E85) or postprocedural complications (E89)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Lactose intolerance includes genetic testing, metabolic panels, enzyme assays, stool and urine analysis, sweat chloride test (E84), and imaging. Clinical history and family background play a key role in identifying hereditary metabolic disorders early.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code E73 is used across pediatrics, internal medicine, metabolic genetics, endocrinology, and nephrology. It supports documentation of rare diseases, postoperative syndromes, fluid/electrolyte issues, and nutrition-related metabolic dysfunctions.
Related Codes
- E70 – Disorders of aromatic amino-acid metabolism
- E71 – Disorders of branched-chain amino-acid metabolism and fatty-acid metabolism
- E72 – Other disorders of amino-acid metabolism
- E74 – Other disorders of carbohydrate metabolism
- E75 – Disorders of sphingolipid metabolism and other lipid storage disorders
- E76 – Disorders of glycosaminoglycan metabolism
- E77 – Disorders of glycoprotein metabolism
- E78 – Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidemias
- E79 – Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism
- E80 – Disorders of porphyrin and bilirubin metabolism
- E83 – Disorders of mineral metabolism
- E84 – Cystic fibrosis
- E85 – Amyloidosis
- E86 – Volume depletion
- E87 – Other disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
- E88 – Other and unspecified metabolic disorders
- E89 – Postprocedural endocrine and metabolic complications and disorders, not elsewhere classified
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code E73?
A: This code classifies Lactose intolerance, a metabolic or postprocedural condition affecting nutrient or electrolyte balance.
Q2: Are these genetic or acquired?
A: Many (e.g., E70–E80) are inherited, while others like E87 or E89 may be secondary to illness or surgery.
Q3: How are they treated?
A: Treatment varies by disorder—ranging from dietary restrictions to enzyme replacement or fluid/electrolyte rebalancing.
Q4: Who manages these conditions?
A: Geneticists, endocrinologists, metabolic specialists, nephrologists, and pediatricians depending on age and cause.
Q5: Can these be life-threatening?
A: Yes, some are serious without early detection, but many are manageable with proper medical care and monitoring.
Conclusion
ICD10 code E73 enables proper diagnosis and classification of Lactose intolerance. This helps in treatment planning, insurance documentation, and coordinated care—especially in rare metabolic or postoperative endocrine conditions.

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