ICD-10 Code E79 – Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E79 – Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism
What it is
E79 identifies disorders that affect the body’s handling of purines and pyrimidines, the building blocks of nucleic acids. Use it for metabolic conditions in this category when the record does not specify a more exact diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. These disorders may be noted by abnormal uric acid metabolism, recurrent gout, or other inherited or acquired metabolic findings tied to purine or pyrimidine processing.
When to use this code
Use E79 when the provider documents a disorder of purine or pyrimidine metabolism without naming a more specific ICD-10-CM code. It may also fit unspecified metabolic conditions in this category when the chart supports the diagnosis. If the record identifies a specific inherited enzyme defect or another named disorder, code that condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for gout alone unless the provider links it to a purine metabolism disorder. Check documentation if the condition is better described by a more specific metabolic, renal, or hereditary diagnosis.
Coding tip
Review the assessment carefully and code the most specific documented metabolic disorder before defaulting to E79.