ICD-10 Code E71.44 – Other secondary carnitine deficiency (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E71.44 – Other secondary carnitine deficiency
What it is
E71.44 identifies secondary carnitine deficiency, meaning low carnitine caused by another condition, medication, or metabolic problem rather than a primary inherited disorder. Use it when documentation specifies a secondary cause.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include weakness, fatigue, poor feeding, hypoglycemia, or abnormal liver or muscle findings when carnitine depletion is clinically significant.
When to use this code
Use E71.44 when the provider documents secondary carnitine deficiency and the record supports an acquired or associated cause. It may apply in metabolic, nutritional, renal, or medication-related contexts, but only if the diagnosis is clearly stated.
If the chart only notes low carnitine without specifying secondary deficiency, check documentation. Code the documented underlying condition separately when instructed by the record and coding guidance.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for primary carnitine deficiency or for nonspecific abnormal laboratory findings alone. If the diagnosis is uncertain or not documented as secondary, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm that “secondary” is explicitly documented before assigning E71.44, and code the cause or associated condition when the record supports it.