Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD-10-CM Codes

Read this short guide to learn about Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes you can use.

By Ashleigh Knowles on Jun 16, 2024.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

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What Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes can I use?Are these Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes billable?Clinical Information Synonyms Include FAQS

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What Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes can I use?

There are five Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes you can use. Here they are:

E46 - Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have protein-calorie malnutrition.

It comes with an unspecified label, and what is unspecified is the severity of the malnutrition. If you can identify the severity of the malnutrition, please select a more specific code (Items 2 to 4).

E44.1 - Mild protein-calorie malnutrition

This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the patient has mild protein-calorie malnutrition.

E44.0 - Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition

This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the patient has moderate protein-calorie malnutrition.

E43 - Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition

This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the patient has severe protein-calorie malnutrition.

It comes with an unspecified label, too. This time, what is unspecified is the cause of the severe malnutrition.

There are currently no ICD-10 codes that specifically mention the causes of malnutrition, so you may use this if the cause is a chronic disease or diabetes.

E45 - Retarded development following protein-calorie malnutrition

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have had protein-calorie malnutrition, and their malnutrition has negatively impacted their development. This is often used on young patients, specifically children who are still (supposedly) developing.

E64.0 - Sequelae of protein-calorie malnutrition

This ICD-10 code is meant for someone dealing with the after-effects of protein-calorie malnutrition besides stunted development (since Item 5 is intended for that).

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Are these Protein Calorie Malnutrition ICD codes billable?

Yes. All of the aforementioned Protein Calorie Malnutrition-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.

Clinical Information

Protein-calorie malnutrition is a serious medical condition characterized by not getting the necessary amount of proteins and calories that our bodies need daily from food consumption.

If the body is deprived of the proteins and calories it needs from our daily meals for too long, health issues will arise, and these issues are particularly terrible for children and the elderly.

Here are some examples of complications that can emerge due to protein-calorie malnutrition:

The immune system becomes weak, making people more susceptible to contracting illnesses and infections
The organs, especially the heart and liver, become damaged
Muscle atrophy
Wounds don’t close and heal up faster than they should
Children will suffer stunted development and growth
Cognitive functions will be impacted and impaired
Death (risk is higher for children and elderly)

Synonyms Include:

Acute malnutrition in adolescence
Acute malnutrition in childhood
Acute malnutrition in infancy
Generalized redundant skin due to malnutrition
Gingival disease due to malnutrition
Hair changes due to malnutrition
Skin changes due to malnutrition
Starvation-related malnutrition
Undernutrition
Nutritional maltreatment of child
Nutritionally compromised
Malnutrition

Commonly asked questions

What’s the difference between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus?

Kwashiorkor is a severe protein deficiency, but the calorie intake is normal. Having Kwashiorkor will likely result in edema, noticeable changes in the hair and skin, muscle atrophy, and impaired growth (if the person has it, they are a child).

Marasmus is a severe deficiency of both protein and calories. Those with Marasmus tend to become extremely thin and weak, and their muscle wasting is extreme compared to those with Kwashiorkor.

What are the primary causes of Protein Calorie Malnutrition?

First and foremost, the cause is a diet that lacks diversity and essential nutrients. There are likely reasons for a lacking diet, and these can be any of the following:

Eating disorders
Digestive disorders
Having an illness that impacts nutrient absorption
Poor access to food due to poverty

How does one treat patients with cases of Protein Calorie Malnutrition?

The best way to treat this is to provide people with a well-balanced diet. Coming up with a dietary plan for them isn’t enough because of the possible root causes of their insufficient food intake.

If they have a digestive disorder or a chronic illness impacting their nutrient absorption, that illness must be addressed.

It must be corrected if they have an eating disorder, likely through CBT/counseling.

If malnutrition’s root cause is poverty, that’s a complex issue that needs to be addressed by medical professionals and government bodies. Charity work can only do so much unless proper reforms and developments give people access to food, especially those with little to no income.