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2025 ICD-10-CM code Z59.48

Other specified lack of adequate food.This code is used when a patient lacks sufficient food for nutritional needs, but the reason is not specified as food insecurity.

Use this code only when other, more specific codes do not apply.Always document the reasons for the inadequate food access to the extent possible.Code in conjunction with other diagnoses and procedures as clinically indicated.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of documented nutritional deficiencies and the impact of inadequate food intake on the patient's overall health.The documentation should demonstrate a clear link between the lack of adequate food and the patient's medical condition and the need for intervention.

The clinical responsibility involves assessing the patient's nutritional status, identifying the reasons for inadequate food access, and developing a plan to address the nutritional deficiencies.This may involve referring the patient to social services or nutritional programs.

IMPORTANT:This code should be distinguished from Z59.41 (Food insecurity) and codes related to malnutrition (E40-E46).If the specific reason for inadequate food is known, consider using a more specific code.

In simple words: This code means the patient doesn't have enough food to eat, but the reason isn't specifically known or stated.

Z59.48, Other specified lack of adequate food, is an ICD-10-CM code classifying circumstances influencing a patient's health status.It's used to document situations where a patient has insufficient access to food,excluding conditions specifically classified as food insecurity (Z59.41), malnutrition (E40-E46), or other specified dietary issues.The code is applied when the underlying cause of the inadequate food access is not specified or is not one of the explicitly listed conditions.This code should be used in conjunction with other codes that describe the patient's medical condition, if applicable, and should always be accompanied by a procedure code if a procedure was performed.

Example 1: A patient presents to the clinic complaining of fatigue and weakness.Further examination reveals signs of malnutrition. The patient reports inconsistent access to food due to financial difficulties.Z59.48 would be used in conjunction with codes describing the malnutrition and possibly other relevant diagnoses., A homeless individual is admitted to the hospital with a variety of health issues.The lack of adequate food is a contributing factor. Z59.48 is used, along with codes for the other health issues and Z59.00 (Homelessness, unspecified)., A patient undergoing treatment for a chronic illness reports struggling to afford groceries, leading to inadequate food intake. While Z59.41 (Food insecurity) might seem appropriate, if no formal assessment of food insecurity was performed, Z59.48 would be more accurate, paired with codes for the chronic illness.

Documentation should include a comprehensive nutritional assessment, patient's report of food intake, information about the patient's socioeconomic status, and any interventions or referrals made to address the inadequate food access.

** This code reflects a circumstance that can significantly affect a patient's health and should be used judiciously. Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate billing and patient care.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

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