E46 – Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition ICD-10-CM Code

Discover the ICD-10-CM code E46 for unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition, its medical documentation, insurance billing, and more.

By Patricia Buenaventura on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

E46 diagnosis code: Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition

Protein-calorie malnutrition, or undernutrition, is a condition and one of the nutritional and metabolic diseases with inadequate protein and calorie intake. Proper coding for malnutrition is vital for accurate medical documentation, billing, and treatment planning. The ICD-10-CM system provides a specific code for this condition.

The commonly used ICD-10-CM Code for Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition is E46 - Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition. This code is used when the specific type or cause of malnutrition is not specified, but it's clear that the patient is experiencing protein-calorie malnutrition.

Do note that it excludes nutritional deficiency nos.

Is E46 billable?

Yes, the E46 ICD-10-CM code is billable.

Clinical information

Protein-calorie malnutrition occurs when the body doesn't receive adequate protein and calories to meet its nutritional needs.
It can result from various causes, including inadequate food intake, illness, or underlying medical conditions.
Symptoms may include weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, and impaired immune function.
Diagnosis is usually made through clinical assessment and may involve blood tests.
Treatment includes dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition.

Synonyms include

Malnutrition
Undernutrition
Protein-energy malnutrition
Calorie deficiency
Starvation

Other ICD-10 CM codes commonly used for Protein Calorie Malnutrition

E44.1: Mild protein-calorie malnutrition
E44.0: Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition
E43: Unspecified severe protein calorie malnutrition (Severe malnutrition due to Diabetes type 1/2, etc.)
E64.0: Sequelae of protein-calorie malnutrition

Commonly asked questions

An Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition ICD code, specifically E46, should be used when documenting a patient's medical record indicating that they are experiencing protein-calorie malnutrition without specifying the cause or type.

Common treatments include dietary modifications to increase protein and calorie intake, nutritional supplements, and addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition.

A diagnosis code for Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition indicates that a patient is experiencing a condition characterized by insufficient protein and calorie intake without specifying the underlying cause or type of malnutrition.

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