BMI ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the essential role of ICD-10 Codes Used for BMI classification. These codes are a crucial metric for assessing weight-related health.

By Ericka Pingol on Jun 16, 2024.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

Use Code
BMI ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for BMI 

Z68.1 

This code signifies a BMI below 20, which indicates being underweight. Individuals with a BMI under 20 may face an elevated risk of health issues, including malnutrition and osteoporosis. 

Z68.20 

This ICD 10 code for BMI corresponds to a falling within the 20.0-20.9 range, categorized as a normal weight. Maintaining a normal weight, as indicated by this BMI range, can reduce the risk of various chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Z68.21 

This is one of the BMI ICD Codes. It designates a BMI in the 21.0-21.9 range, also classified as normal weight. Refer to the description for Z68.20, as the health considerations and recommendations are the same for this BMI range.

Z68.22 

This code indicates a BMI within the 22.0-22.9 range, which signifies normal weight. The information provided for Z68.20 applies to this BMI range as well.

Z68.30 

This ICD 10 BMI code represents a BMI ranging from 30.0 to 30.9, indicating obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various chronic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Z68.31 

This BMI ICD 10 code denotes a falling between 31.0 and 31.9, categorizing it as obese. Like the previous description, individuals with a BMI in this range are considered obese and should seek medical guidance to address this condition.

Which BMI ICD codes are Billable: 

  • Z68.1: Yes
  • Z68.20: Yes
  • Z68.21: Yes
  • Z68.22: Yes
  • Z68.30: Yes
  • Z68.31: Yes

Clinical Information

  • Body mass index (BMI) assesses body fat using weight and height, categorizing individuals as underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), or obese (BMI ≥ 30).
  • While BMI is a helpful screening tool for weight-related health concerns, it may not accurately reflect body fat, especially for highly muscular individuals.
  • Clinical implications of BMI: BMI ≥ 25 raises the risk of chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes), and BMI ≥ 30 signifies obesity, increasing these risks further.
  • A BMI < 18.5 indicates being underweight and carries potential health risks like malnutrition and osteoporosis.
  • If your BMI is ≥ 25, consult a doctor for weight management strategies. Even modest weight loss can have significant health benefits.
  • Safe weight loss tips: Prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regularly 30-minute exercise sessions most days, and make gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes.

Synonyms Include:

  • body mass index
  • weight-for-height index
  • Quetelet index
  • body adiposity index
  • corpulence index
  • fat mass index
  • ponderal index
  • weight index
  • adiposity index
Medical Billing and Coding Software

Commonly asked questions

When to use a BMI ICD code?

BMI ICD codes find use when healthcare professionals need to classify a patient's BMI, helping identify weight categories like underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on height and weight measurements. They're employed during health assessments, discussions of weight-related issues, and for billing purposes related to weight management or nutritional counseling.

What are the common treatments for BMI Diagnosis Codes?

Common treatments for BMI Diagnosis Codes vary depending on the specific BMI category. For instance, individuals with an obesity-related BMI (30 or higher) might receive guidance on weight loss through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and exercise programs. Patients with underweight or overweight BMIs may receive personalized plans to achieve a healthier weight, involving diet and exercise modifications and progress monitoring.

What does a diagnosis code for BMI mean?

A diagnosis code for BMI is a numerical representation of a patient's body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It categorizes individuals into weight groups for medical assessment and billing purposes. It enables healthcare professionals to identify potential health risks and design treatment plans tailored to the patient's weight-related health status.

Join 10,000+ teams using Carepatron to be more productive

One app for all your healthcare work