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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR63.5

R63.5

Abnormal weight gain

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R63.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal weight gain.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Abnormal weight gain is characterized by an increase in body weight that is not attributed to normal physiological changes such as growth or pregnancy. It can be indicative of various underlying health issues, including metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity levels. Clinically, abnormal weight gain may present with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and joint pain, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Laboratory findings may reveal abnormalities in glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, or thyroid function tests. The condition can be associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for numerous comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed patient history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory tests to identify potential causes and guide treatment strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., metabolic, endocrine, psychological)
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and physical examination
  • Potential overlap with other weight-related codes
  • Documentation of associated symptoms and comorbidities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the underlying cause of weight gain
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or comorbidities
  • Inconsistent coding of weight gain in conjunction with obesity codes
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for ongoing management

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including dietary habits, physical activity, and any medications that may contribute to weight gain.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained weight gain, metabolic syndrome, or obesity-related complications.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions such as diabetes or hypertension that may influence treatment and management.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of weight gain in the context of presenting symptoms, such as dyspnea or edema.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with sudden weight gain presenting with acute heart failure or other urgent conditions.

Billing Considerations

Rapid evaluation of potential acute causes of weight gain, including fluid retention or medication effects.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R63.5 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and abnormal findings
  • Ensure that the code is supported by clinical documentation that outlines the patient's condition and any relevant diagnostic findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R63.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits related to abnormal weight gain management.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's weight, BMI, and any changes in treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed documentation of comorbidities.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like abnormal weight gain, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations and associated conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like abnormal weight gain, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations and associated conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like abnormal weight gain, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations and associated conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented to support the use of R63.5?

Documentation should include the patient's weight history, any associated symptoms, potential causes of weight gain, and results from relevant laboratory tests.