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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesZ68.1

Z68.1

Billable

Body mass index [BMI] 19.9 or less, adult

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Z68.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of body mass index [bmi] 19.9 or less, adult.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Z68.1 is used to indicate an adult with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.9 or less, which is classified as underweight. This condition can have significant implications for health status, as individuals with a low BMI may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, and other health complications. Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to nutritious food, and mental health factors, can influence an individual's BMI. Preventive care for these patients may include nutritional counseling, screening for eating disorders, and regular monitoring of weight and overall health. Screening for underlying conditions that may contribute to low BMI, such as hyperthyroidism or malabsorption syndromes, is also essential. Aftercare may involve ongoing support and education to promote healthy weight gain and address any psychosocial issues affecting the patient's health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for accurate BMI calculation and documentation
  • Potential underlying health conditions requiring additional coding
  • Influence of social determinants on health outcomes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of BMI calculation
  • Failure to document underlying conditions
  • Lack of preventive care notes in the medical record
  • Improper sequencing of Z codes with primary diagnoses

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Document BMI calculation, nutritional assessments, and any referrals for counseling or further evaluation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine checkups where BMI is assessed, screenings for nutritional deficiencies, and aftercare for patients with low BMI.

Billing Considerations

Consider social determinants such as food insecurity, mental health issues, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to low BMI.

Public Health

Documentation Requirements

Population-level data collection, surveillance of BMI trends, and documentation of interventions aimed at improving nutritional health.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Community health assessments, epidemiological studies, and preventive health initiatives targeting underweight populations.

Billing Considerations

Focus on health equity and access to resources that support healthy weight management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Z68.1 When
  • Z codes are used to indicate factors influencing health status and should be sequenced appropriately
  • When coding Z68
  • 1, ensure that it is supported by clinical documentation and is relevant to the patient's primary diagnosis
  • Payer requirements may vary, so check specific guidelines for coverage of preventive services

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Z68.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99401CPT Code

Preventive counseling visit

Clinical Scenario

Used during a visit where BMI is assessed and counseling is provided.

Documentation Requirements

Document the counseling provided and the patient's BMI.

Specialty Considerations

Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive documentation of preventive services.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding BMI, enabling better tracking of underweight populations and their health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding BMI, enabling better tracking of underweight populations and their health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding BMI, enabling better tracking of underweight populations and their health outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC BMI Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC BMI Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required to support the use of Z68.1?

Documentation must include the patient's BMI calculation, any relevant clinical assessments, and notes on preventive care or referrals made during the visit.