What are protein-calorie malnutrition ICD-10-CM codes?
Protein calorie malnutrition is a form of nutritional deficiency that occurs when an individual does not receive enough protein and calories for normal growth, body function, and development. This condition is especially dangerous for children and elderly individuals and can stem from intestinal malabsorption, metabolic diseases, chronic illness, or starvation edema.
In ICD-10-CM, specific diagnosis codes are used to classify the severity and consequences of protein-calorie malnutrition. Below are the ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes most commonly used:
- E46 - Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition: This ICD-10-CM diagnosis code should be used when a patient is confirmed to have protein-calorie malnutrition but the severity—mild, moderate, or severe—is not documented. This includes unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition, often seen in complex cases or initial assessments when detailed data is lacking.
- E44.1 – Mild protein-calorie malnutrition: This code is appropriate when the patient has mild protein-calorie malnutrition. This may be used in cases where clinical signs are present but not yet advanced to a moderate and mild degree or severe malnutrition.
- E44.0 – Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition: Use this ICD-10-CM code when the protein-calorie intake is low enough to cause noticeable physical or biochemical changes but without the full spectrum of severe malnutrition.
- E43 – Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition: This code represents unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition, where the malnutrition is clearly severe, but the underlying cause is not identified. This type may be associated with serious conditions like marasmic kwashiorkor, chronic metabolic diseases, or complications from intestinal malabsorption. While the code does not specify the cause, it is often linked to other manifestations of systemic illness, such as weight loss, fatigue, or organ dysfunction.
- E45 – Retarded development following protein-calorie malnutrition: This code applies to individuals—most often children—who have experienced retarded development following protein-calorie malnutrition. The delay may include physical, mental, or cognitive growth.
- E64.0 – Sequelae of protein-calorie malnutrition: This ICD-10-CM diagnosis code is used for long-term complications or other nutritional deficiencies resulting from past protein-calorie malnutrition.