Malnutrition
ICD-10 Codes (8)
E41E42E43E44E44.0E44.1E45E46Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for E40-E46 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range E40-E46 is dedicated to malnutrition, a condition characterized by inadequate intake or absorption of nutrients. This range includes codes for various types of malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor, marasmus, and nutritional stunting. These codes are used to document the severity and type of malnutrition, which is crucial for treatment planning and monitoring patient progress.
Key Usage Points:
- •E40-E46 codes are used to document all types of malnutrition, from mild to severe.
- •The specific type of malnutrition (e.g., kwashiorkor, marasmus) should be coded when known.
- •Severity of malnutrition (mild, moderate, severe) should be documented and coded.
- •E46, Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition, is used when the type or severity of malnutrition is not specified.
- •E43, Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition, is used when the patient has severe malnutrition, but the specific type is unknown.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a specific type of malnutrition.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with malnutrition of a specific severity.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with malnutrition, but the type or severity is unknown.
- ✓When malnutrition is a contributing factor to another health condition.
- ✓When malnutrition is the primary reason for a patient's visit.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient is at risk for malnutrition but has not been diagnosed.
- ✗When a patient has a nutritional deficiency, but not malnutrition.
- ✗When a patient has an eating disorder, but not malnutrition.
- ✗When a patient is overweight or obese.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for malnutrition should include the type and severity of malnutrition, if known. The cause of malnutrition, if identified, should also be documented. Any related conditions or complications should be noted.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of malnutrition
- •Severity of malnutrition
- •Cause of malnutrition
- •Related conditions or complications
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab results
- •Dietary history
- •Physical exam findings
- •Nutritionist's assessment
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with severe marasmus due to chronic malabsorption. Lab results show low protein levels. Treatment plan includes high-protein diet and nutritional supplements.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has malnutrition.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type or severity of malnutrition
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of malnutrition
- ⚠Not noting related conditions or complications
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for malnutrition is of medium complexity due to the need to accurately document the type and severity of malnutrition, identify the cause, and code any related conditions or complications. Additionally, coders must be aware of exclusions to avoid incorrect coding.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the type and severity of malnutrition
- ▸Identifying the cause of malnutrition
- ▸Coding related conditions or complications
- ▸Navigating exclusions
Specialty Focus
Malnutrition codes are primarily used by dietitians, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians. They are also used in hospital settings to document the nutritional status of patients.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with Crohn's disease has severe weight loss and is diagnosed with marasmus.
- • A child with failure to thrive is diagnosed with nutritional stunting.
- • A patient with anorexia nervosa is diagnosed with severe protein-calorie malnutrition.
- • A patient with cancer is diagnosed with moderate malnutrition due to decreased appetite.
- • A patient with kwashiorkor due to a severely restricted diet.
Resources & References
Resources for coding malnutrition include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Dietetic Association's Guide to Nutrition Care, and the World Health Organization's guidelines on malnutrition.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Dietetic Association's Guide to Nutrition Care
- World Health Organization's guidelines on malnutrition
Clinical References:
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association's ICD-10 training materials
- American Academy of Professional Coders' ICD-10 resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for malnutrition if the type or severity is not specified?
If the type of malnutrition is not specified, use E46 for Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition. If the patient has severe malnutrition but the type is unknown, use E43 for Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition.