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ICD-10 Coding for Adult Failure to Thrive(R62.7)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adult Failure to Thrive. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

AFTTFailure to Thrive in Adults

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adult Failure to Thrive

R60-R69Primary Range

General symptoms and signs

This range includes codes for symptoms and signs not elsewhere classified, including Adult Failure to Thrive.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for adult failure to thrive

Essential facts and insights about Adult Failure to Thrive

The ICD-10 code for adult failure to thrive is R62.7, used for multifactorial decline without a dominant condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for adult failure to thrive

Adult failure to thrive
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No single dominant condition explains decline.

coding Criteria

  • Use when no definitive underlying condition is confirmed.

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific symptoms and functional decline.

Applicable To

  • Multifactorial decline in adults

Excludes

  • Failure to thrive in children (R62.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ≥5% unintentional weight loss in 3 months
  • Functional decline (e.g., Katz ADL score ≤4)
  • No single dominant condition explains decline

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using as a primary diagnosis when a more specific condition is present can lead to claim denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the multifactorial nature of the decline.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Unspecified protein-energy malnutrition

E46
Use alongside R62.7 if malnutrition is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Use if depression is the primary driver of decline.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adult Failure to Thrive to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R62.7.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audits and claim denials., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect DRG assignments and lower reimbursement., Compliance: May lead to claim denials and audits., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying condition first, such as dementia or heart failure.

Impact

Risk of audits if R62.7 is used as a primary diagnosis without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of weight loss, functional decline, and exclusion of other diagnoses.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Adult Failure to Thrive, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adult Failure to Thrive

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adult Failure to Thrive. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Geriatric patient with unexplained weight loss and functional decline

Specialty: Geriatrics

Required Elements

  • Weight trends
  • Functional status
  • Cognitive assessment
  • Nutritional data

Example Documentation

[Date] **Subjective:** "I've lost my appetite and can't dress myself anymore." **Objective:** - Weight: 112 lbs (↓12% from baseline) - Labs: Alb 2.7, Hb 10.2, TSH 4.8 - Functional: SPPB score 4/12, needs assist for toileting **Assessment:** R62.7 - Adult failure to thrive E46 - Protein-energy malnutrition F32.9 - Major depressive disorder **Plan:** 1. Nutrition consult for high-calorie diet 2. PT evaluation for mobility decline

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient appears frail.
Good Documentation Example
Unintentional 10% weight loss (152 lbs to 137 lbs) over 90 days. Requires 2-person assist for transfers. MNA-SF score: 4/14 indicating malnutrition. PHQ-9: 18/27 (severe depression).
Explanation
The good example provides specific metrics and assessments that support the diagnosis and coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adult Failure to Thrive? Ask your questions below.

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