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ICD-10 Coding for History of Obesity(Z87.898, E66.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Obesity. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Past ObesityResolved Obesity

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Obesity

Z87.898Primary Range

Other personal history of diseases classifiable elsewhere

Used for documenting resolved obesity with no current treatment or abnormal BMI.

Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories

Active diagnosis requiring explicit provider documentation.

Body Mass Index (BMI) 30.0-39.9 and BMI ≥40

Used to document BMI values in conjunction with obesity diagnosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z87.898Other personal history of diseases classifiable elsewhereUse when obesity is resolved and there is no current treatment or abnormal BMI.
  • Normal BMI
  • No current obesity treatment
E66.01Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess caloriesUse for active morbid obesity with appropriate documentation.
  • BMI ≥40 or BMI 35-39.9 with comorbidity
  • Provider documentation of morbid obesity

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of obesity

Essential facts and insights about History of Obesity

The ICD-10 code for history of obesity is Z87.898, used when obesity is resolved with no current treatment or abnormal BMI.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of obesity

Other personal history of diseases classifiable elsewhere
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Obesity must be documented as resolved with no current treatment.

Applicable To

  • Resolved obesity

Excludes

  • Current obesity

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal BMI
  • No current obesity treatment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly used for active obesity cases

Coding Notes

  • Ensure obesity is documented as resolved with normal BMI.

Ancillary Codes

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

BMI ≥40

Z68.4x
Document BMI in conjunction with E66.01.

Differential Codes

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

Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories

E66.01
Requires active diagnosis and provider documentation of morbid obesity.

Other obesity

E66.8
Use when BMI ≥30 without 'morbid' documentation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Obesity to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.898.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents patient's current health status., Regulatory: Triggers audits due to incorrect coding., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify current obesity status, Consult provider documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to overpayments., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider to confirm morbid obesity diagnosis.

Impact

Coding E66.01 without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require provider confirmation of morbid obesity.

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 History of Obesity, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Obesity

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Obesity. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Progress Note

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Obesity Status
  • Diagnostic Statement
  • BMI
  • Related Conditions
  • Treatment Plan

Example Documentation

Obesity Status: [ ] Active [ ] Historical Diagnostic Statement: _________________________ BMI: ___ (Source: [ ] Provider [ ] Other ______ ) Related Conditions: ___________________________ Treatment Plan: [ ] Nutrition counseling [ ] Pharmacotherapy [ ] Bariatric referral

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Obese patient with knee pain. BMI 38.
Good Documentation Example
Morbid obesity (BMI 38.4) contributing to osteoarthritis L knee. Rx: Liraglutide 3mg SQ daily. Referral to bariatric surgery.
Explanation
The good example includes a specific diagnosis, BMI, and treatment plan, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Obesity? Ask your questions below.

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