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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE64.9

E64.9

Billable

Sequelae of unspecified nutritional deficiency

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 E64.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of sequelae of unspecified nutritional deficiency.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Sequelae of unspecified nutritional deficiency refers to the long-term effects and complications that arise from a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to a variety of health issues, including impaired immune function, muscle wasting, cognitive decline, and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. The sequelae may manifest as growth retardation in children, osteoporosis in adults, or neurological disorders due to vitamin deficiencies. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific nutrient deficiency has not been identified, making it crucial for healthcare providers to document any relevant clinical findings that could help pinpoint the underlying cause. Long-term malnutrition can also lead to psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety, further complicating the patient's health status. Proper management of these sequelae often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including dietary interventions, supplementation, and monitoring of the patient's overall health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the nutritional deficiency complicates diagnosis.
  • Requires thorough documentation to support the diagnosis.
  • Potential overlap with other nutritional deficiency codes.
  • Need for clinical correlation with symptoms and history.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of nutritional status.
  • Lack of clinical correlation with symptoms.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers.
  • Failure to specify the duration of the deficiency.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nutrition

Documentation Requirements

Detailed dietary history and assessment of nutritional intake.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic illnesses leading to malnutrition.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant lab results and assessments are included.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth charts and developmental assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with failure to thrive or developmental delays.

Billing Considerations

Document any social factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E64.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, E64
  • 9 should be used when the specific nutritional deficiency is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the medical record supports the diagnosis and that all relevant clinical information is included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E64.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97802CPT Code

Medical nutrition therapy, individual, face-to-face

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients receiving dietary counseling for nutritional deficiencies.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's nutritional assessment and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Nutrition specialists should ensure comprehensive dietary evaluations are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nutritional deficiencies, but E64.9 remains important for cases where the specific deficiency is not identified. Coders must be diligent in documenting the clinical context to support the use of this code.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nutritional deficiencies, but E64.9 remains important for cases where the specific deficiency is not identified. Coders must be diligent in documenting the clinical context to support the use of this code.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nutritional deficiencies, but E64.9 remains important for cases where the specific deficiency is not identified. Coders must be diligent in documenting the clinical context to support the use of this code.

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

When should I use E64.9?

E64.9 should be used when a patient presents with sequelae of nutritional deficiency, but the specific nutrient involved is not documented. Ensure that the medical record supports the diagnosis.