Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition(E43)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Severe PCMUnspecified Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

E40-E46Primary Range

Malnutrition

This range includes all forms of malnutrition, with E43 specifically for severe protein-calorie malnutrition.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for severe protein-calorie malnutrition

Essential facts and insights about Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

The ICD-10 code for severe protein-calorie malnutrition is E43, used when specific ASPEN/GLIM criteria are met.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for severe protein-calorie malnutrition

Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits severe weight loss and muscle wasting.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider documents severity and treatment plan.

Applicable To

  • Severe malnutrition
  • Severe protein-energy malnutrition

Excludes

  • Nutritional marasmus (E41)
  • Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition (E44.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BMI <18.5
  • >10% weight loss over 6 months
  • Severe muscle mass loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without meeting severity criteria
  • Relying solely on dietitian notes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific ASPEN/GLIM criteria and treatment plans.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cachexia

R64
Use with chronic diseases like cancer or COPD to describe cachexia.

Differential Codes

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

Nutritional marasmus

E41
Use E41 for marasmus without specific severe PCM criteria.

Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition

E44.0
Use E44.0 for moderate malnutrition with less severe clinical findings.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E43.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient assessment and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use ASPEN/GLIM criteria for documentation., Ensure provider specifies severity in notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific ASPEN/GLIM criteria.

Impact

High error rate in documenting severity of malnutrition.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and ensure provider documentation.

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 Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Severe PCM in Oncology

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • BMI and weight loss percentage
  • Muscle mass loss
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Severe PCM secondary to metastatic pancreatic cancer: BMI 17.2, albumin 2.1 g/dL, 15% weight loss in 2 months. Plan: TPN initiated, palliative care consult for home nutrition support.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Malnutrition noted.
Good Documentation Example
Severe PCM per ASPEN criteria: BMI 16.8, 12% weight loss over 3 months, severe temporal wasting, and grip strength <25% percentile.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and treatment details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more