Abnormal Weight Loss ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Abnormal Weight Loss?

Abnormal Weight Loss is a concerning medical condition that may indicate underlying health issues. Accurate ICD-10-CM codes are crucial for medical billing and documentation. Below are the commonly used codes for Abnormal Weight Loss:

R63.0 - Anorexia: This code is used to categorize situations in which a patient has a marked lack of appetite or a decrease in food intake, which results in weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.

R63.1 - Polydipsia: Employ this diagnostic code when a patient exhibits an abnormally heightened thirst sensation (polydipsia), a pivotal factor contributing to their weight loss.

‍R63.2 - Polyphagia: Utilize this code when an individual engages in excessive eating (polyphagia), and this behavior is identified as a causative factor behind their weight loss.

R63.4 - Abnormal weight loss: This diagnostic code is designated for situations where an individual experiences unexplained weight loss, and the underlying cause remains unidentified.

R63.7 - Cachexia: Apply this code when documenting a patient's condition characterized by cachexia, an intricate metabolic syndrome frequently observed in advanced stages of severe illness, often manifesting as significant weight loss.

R63.8 - Other symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intake: Assign this code to encompass a wide range of additional symptoms and signs that pertain to an individual's consumption of food and fluids beyond the specific conditions mentioned elsewhere.

R63.9 - Symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intake, unspecified: Employ this code when dealing with cases in which the symptoms and signs related to an individual's food and fluid intake are present but not clearly defined or categorized.

Which Abnormal Weight Loss ICD codes are Billable?

The following ICD-10-CM codes for Abnormal Weight Loss are billable:

R63.0 - Yes, billable: Anorexia-related weight loss can be billed when accurately coded.

R63.1 - Yes, billable: Polydipsia-related weight loss is eligible for reimbursement.

R63.2 - Yes, billable: Polyphagia-related weight loss can be billed when documented accurately.

R63.4 - Yes, billable: Abnormal weight loss is eligible for reimbursement when accurately coded.

R63.7 - Yes, billable: Cachexia-related weight loss can be billed when coded appropriately.

R63.8 - Yes, billable: Other symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intake are billable when coded accurately.

R63.9 - Yes, billable: Unspecified food and fluid intake symptoms can be reimbursed when specific symptoms are not documented.

Clinical Information

• Abnormal weight loss is a significant concern in healthcare, often indicating underlying medical issues.
• It can result from various causes, including medical conditions, psychological factors, or lifestyle changes.
• A thorough patient history, including recent changes in diet, activity, and medications, is essential for evaluation.
• Physical examination should assess for signs of malnutrition, such as muscle wasting, hair loss, or skin changes.
• Diagnostic tests, including blood work, imaging, and endoscopy, can help identify underlying conditions contributing to abnormal weight loss.
• Common medical causes include hyperthyroidism, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., celiac disease), and chronic infections.
• Psychological factors like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders can also lead to abnormal weight loss.
• Collaborative care involving specialists (e.g., gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists) may be necessary for comprehensive assessment and treatment.
• Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, and management strategies can range from medication and dietary changes to psychotherapy or surgery.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial to track progress and adjust the treatment plan.
• Healthcare practitioners should approach patients with sensitivity and empathy, considering their physical and emotional well-being while addressing abnormal weight loss.

Synonyms Include

• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Involuntary Weight Loss
• Abnormal Weight Changes
• Appetite Loss