Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide to learn about Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes you can use.
.jpg)
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes can I use?
There are five Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes you can use. Here they are:
- E46 - Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have protein-calorie malnutrition.
It comes with an unspecified label, and what is unspecified is the severity of the malnutrition. If you can identify the severity of the malnutrition, please select a more specific code (Items 2 to 4).
- E44.1 - Mild protein-calorie malnutrition
This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the patient has mild protein-calorie malnutrition.
- E44.0 - Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition
This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the patient has moderate protein-calorie malnutrition.
- E43 - Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition
This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the patient has severe protein-calorie malnutrition.
It comes with an unspecified label, too. This time, what is unspecified is the cause of the severe malnutrition.
There are currently no ICD-10 codes that specifically mention the causes of malnutrition, so you may use this if the cause is a chronic disease or diabetes.
- E45 - Retarded development following protein-calorie malnutrition
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have had protein-calorie malnutrition, and their malnutrition has negatively impacted their development. This is often used on young patients, specifically children who are still (supposedly) developing.
- E64.0 - Sequelae of protein-calorie malnutrition
This ICD-10 code is meant for someone dealing with the after-effects of protein-calorie malnutrition besides stunted development (since Item 5 is intended for that).
Are these Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes billable?
Yes. All of the aforementioned Protein Calorie Malnutrition-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.
Clinical Information
Protein-calorie malnutrition is a serious medical condition characterized by not getting the necessary amount of proteins and calories that our bodies need daily from food consumption.
If the body is deprived of the proteins and calories it needs from our daily meals for too long, health issues will arise, and these issues are particularly terrible for children and the elderly.
Here are some examples of complications that can emerge due to protein-calorie malnutrition:
- The immune system becomes weak, making people more susceptible to contracting illnesses and infections
- The organs, especially the heart and liver, become damaged
- Muscle atrophy
- Wounds don’t close and heal up faster than they should
- Children will suffer stunted development and growth
- Cognitive functions will be impacted and impaired
- Death (risk is higher for children and elderly)
Synonyms Include:
- Acute malnutrition in adolescence
- Acute malnutrition in childhood
- Acute malnutrition in infancy
- Generalized redundant skin due to malnutrition
- Gingival disease due to malnutrition
- Hair changes due to malnutrition
- Skin changes due to malnutrition
- Starvation-related malnutrition
- Undernutrition
- Nutritional maltreatment of child
- Nutritionally compromised
- Malnutrition
Commonly asked questions
Kwashiorkor is a severe protein deficiency, but the calorie intake is normal. Having Kwashiorkor will likely result in edema, noticeable changes in the hair and skin, muscle atrophy, and impaired growth (if the person has it, they are a child).
Marasmus is a severe deficiency of both protein and calories. Those with Marasmus tend to become extremely thin and weak, and their muscle wasting is extreme compared to those with Kwashiorkor.
First and foremost, the cause is a diet that lacks diversity and essential nutrients. There are likely reasons for a lacking diet, and these can be any of the following:
- Eating disorders
- Digestive disorders
- Having an illness that impacts nutrient absorption
- Poor access to food due to poverty
The best way to treat this is to provide people with a well-balanced diet. Coming up with a dietary plan for them isn’t enough because of the possible root causes of their insufficient food intake.
If they have a digestive disorder or a chronic illness impacting their nutrient absorption, that illness must be addressed.
It must be corrected if they have an eating disorder, likely through CBT/counseling.
If malnutrition’s root cause is poverty, that’s a complex issue that needs to be addressed by medical professionals and government bodies. Charity work can only do so much unless proper reforms and developments give people access to food, especially those with little to no income.
