Severe Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD-10-CM Codes

Explore ICD-10-CM codes for severe protein-calorie malnutrition in 2023. Learn about common codes, billable statuses, and gain clinical insights in this comprehensive guide.

By Matt Olivares on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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Severe Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

Severe protein-calorie malnutrition, often referred to as severe malnutrition, is a critical nutritional deficiency. Here are commonly used ICD-10-CM codes for severe protein-calorie malnutrition, along with brief clinical descriptions:

  • E41 - Nutritional marasmus: Used when there is severe malnutrition due to a deficiency of calories and protein. This code is specific to marasmus, a form of severe malnutrition.
  • E43 - Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition: Applied when severe protein-calorie malnutrition is diagnosed, but the specific type is not further specified.
  • E44.0 - Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition: Utilized for cases of moderate malnutrition where the deficiency is not yet severe.
  • E44.1 - Severe protein-calorie malnutrition: Used for severe protein-calorie malnutrition distinct from marasmus or kwashiorkor.
  • E44.9 - Protein-calorie malnutrition, unspecified: Applied when protein-calorie malnutrition is diagnosed, but the severity or type is not specified.

Which Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition ICD Codes are Billable

The billable status of the mentioned ICD-10 codes for severe protein-calorie malnutrition varies:

  • E41 - Nutritional marasmus: Yes, billable. Medical expenses for nutritional marasmus can be claimed.
  • E43 - Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition: Yes, billable. Costs associated with unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition can be reimbursed.
  • E44.0 - Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition: Yes, billable. Medical expenses for moderate malnutrition can be claimed.
  • E44.1 - Severe protein-calorie malnutrition: Yes, billable. Costs associated with severe protein-calorie malnutrition can be reimbursed.
  • E44.9 - Protein-calorie malnutrition, unspecified: Yes, billable. Medical expenses for unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition can be claimed.

Clinical Information

  • Severe Protein Calorie Malnutrition (PCM) is characterized by an extreme deficiency of protein and calories, leading to significant weight loss and muscle wasting.
  • Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, reviewing medical history, and evaluating physical signs like muscle wasting, edema, and skin changes.
  • Laboratory tests, including serum albumin and albumin levels, can provide further diagnostic insight.
  • Treatment strategies focus on nutritional rehabilitation and may include hospitalization for severe cases.
  • Nutritional support often involves high-calorie, high-protein diets, sometimes administered through enteral or parenteral nutrition.
  • Management should address underlying causes such as chronic illness, eating disorders, or socioeconomic factors.
  • Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial to assess nutritional improvement and address any complications.
  • Patient education is essential, emphasizing adherence to dietary recommendations and addressing malnutrition-related factors.
  • Multidisciplinary care involving dietitians, physicians, and social workers may be necessary for comprehensive management.

Synonyms Include

  • Severe Malnutrition
  • ICD-10 Malnutrition
  • Starvation
  • Nutritional Marasmus
  • Kwashiorkor
  • Severe Caloric Deficiency
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Commonly asked questions

What is the difference between marasmus and kwashiorkor?

Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by a deficiency in both calories and protein. Kwashiorkor, on the other hand, is severe malnutrition primarily characterized by a lack of protein. Marasmus results in muscle wasting and emaciation, while kwashiorkor often causes edema (swelling).

How is severe protein-calorie malnutrition treated?

Treatment includes providing adequate nutrition through a balanced diet, typically with therapeutic feeding programs. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous feeding may be necessary. Medical supervision is crucial.

What can cause severe protein-calorie malnutrition?

Severe malnutrition can result from inadequate food intake, poverty, disease, lack of access to clean water, and other socioeconomic and environmental factors. It is often associated with conditions of extreme poverty and food insecurity.

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