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 targeted treatment strategies for 2023.
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What ICD-10 Code is Used for Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition?
Protein-calorie malnutrition, or undernutrition, is a condition 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.
Here’s the commonly used ICD-10-CM Code for Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition:
- 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.
Which Unspecified Protein-Calorie Malnutrition ICD code is Billable?
- E46 - Yes
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
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.
