2025 ICD-10-CM code E63
Other nutritional deficiencies
Medical necessity is established by documenting the signs, symptoms, and/or lab findings indicating a clinically significant nutritional deficiency impacting the patient's health.
Diagnosis is typically based on medical history, signs, symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes lab tests to check nutrient levels.
In simple words: This code is used when someone has a nutritional deficiency that isn't covered by a more specific code. It means the person isn't getting enough of certain nutrients from their diet, which can lead to various health problems.This could be due to a poor diet, problems absorbing nutrients, or other medical conditions.
Other nutritional deficiencies. This code excludes dehydration (E86.0), adult failure to thrive (R62.7), child failure to thrive (R62.51), feeding problems in newborns (P92.-), and sequelae of malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies (E64.-).
Example 1: A patient presents with fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Blood tests reveal low iron levels, but other tests for anemia are negative. The patient's diet history reveals insufficient iron intake. E63 is used to code the other nutritional deficiency (iron deficiency)., A patient with Crohn's disease experiences chronic diarrhea and weight loss.Despite following a balanced diet, they develop symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. E63 is used to code the other nutritional deficiency (vitamin B12 deficiency) secondary to malabsorption due to Crohn's disease., A patient following a restrictive diet for weight loss experiences hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin. Bloodwork indicates multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies. E63 is used to code the combined nutritional deficiencies as there is no specific code for this combination of deficiencies.
Documentation should include signs, symptoms, dietary history, relevant medical conditions, and results of any laboratory tests or diagnostic procedures confirming the deficiency.
** It is essential to differentiate "other nutritional deficiencies" from conditions specifically excluded by this code, such as dehydration or failure to thrive. Using more specific ICD-10 codes when available is crucial for accurate documentation.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Dietetics/Nutrition, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center