ICD-10 Code K90.1 – Tropical sprue (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K90.1 – Tropical sprue
What it is
Tropical sprue is an intestinal malabsorption disorder seen in people living in or returning from tropical regions. It affects the small intestine and can impair absorption of nutrients, especially folate and vitamin B12.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and evidence of malabsorption. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for supportive findings such as nutrient deficiencies or small-bowel involvement.
When to use this code
Use K90.1 when the provider documents tropical sprue as the diagnosis or confirms a malabsorption syndrome attributed to this condition. You may also use it when the record links chronic diarrhea and nutrient deficiency to tropical sprue in a relevant travel or residence history.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific diarrhea, general malnutrition, or other malabsorption disorders without documentation of tropical sprue. Check documentation if the cause is uncertain.
Coding tip
Code tropical sprue only when the diagnosis is clearly stated; if the chart says “malabsorption” alone, you need more specific documentation.