If a physician documents Emaciation, given that "due to malnutrition" is a nonessential modifier, the Index classifies the term "emaciation" as E41, Nutritional marasmus. If a physician documents "emaciation" without documenting malnutrition, would it be appropriate to assign code E41?
Whereas, emaciated is a descriptive term, meaning unusually thin due to wasting. Although the Index currently refers to code 261, a does not identify the condition correctly. Because of the code-set freeze in effect, and the limited time in which ICD-9-CMwill remain, no revisions can be made to the Index entry for emaciation.
When you enter cachexia, the encoder does ask if it is associated with malnutrition. If you select any of the malnutritions, it still codes both. I could not find any coding clinic that excludes the cachexia. I would be prudent with the assignment of codes reporting severe types of malnutrition that produce an MCC.
2012 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code 261 Nutritional marasmus ICD-9-CM 261is a billable medical code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim, however, 261should only be used for claims with a date of service on or before September 30, 2015.
Table 5ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes for malnutritionICD-9-CM diagnosis codeDescriptionPostsurgical nonabsorptionProtein-calorie malnutrition260Kwashiorkor261Nutritional marasmus21 more rows
E40-E46 - Malnutrition. ICD-10-CM.
19, however, states that a BMI documented by a dietician cannot be coded unless the provider documents a nutritionally-related diagnosis, such as obesity, overweight, underweight, or malnutrition, Kennedy says. These affirm that the BMI code meets the guidelines' definition of an additional diagnosis.
Coding professionals would use ICD-10-CM code E43 to report severe malnutrition, also known as starvation edema. They would use ICD-10-CM code E42 to report severe protein-calorie malnutrition with signs of both kwashiorkor and marasmus.
Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition E46 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM E46 became effective on October 1, 2021.
Coding Clinic Fourth Quarter 1989 advised the sequencing of code 307.1, Anorexia nervosa, as principal diagnosis for anorexia with severe malnutrition since anorexia implies malnutrition.
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions: undernutrition, which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age);
What is malnutrition? Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or overnourished.
3.2. Criteria selected for malnutrition diagnosisWeight loss.Low body mass index (BMI)Reduced muscle mass.Reduced food intake or assimilation.Disease burden/inflammation.
Coding Department If an LIP has not already diagnosed the patient as malnourished, the coder reviews RD notes for degree of malnutrition. If the RD indicates the patient is malnourished, the coder notifies LIP with the request to document the degree of malnutrition (mild, moderate or severe).
E44. 1 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM E44.
Other coders feel that “emaciation” and “emaciated” are the same conditions, and therefore, code 261 is appropriate for the diagnosis of emaciated. This code assignment can be located under: Emaciation (due to malnutrition) 261 ...
Can we report the code for emaciation (code 261), if the physician only documents emaciated? Some coders do not feel that it is appropriate to report code 261, Nutritional marasmus, for the diagnosis of emaciated, since there is no specific index entry for emaciated. Other coders feel that “emaciation” and “emaciated” are the same conditions, and therefore, code 261 is appropriate for the diagnosis of emaciated. This code assignment can be located under: Emaciation (due to malnutrition) 261 ...
basic rule of coding is that further research is done if the title of the code suggested by the Index. does not identify the condition correctly. Because of the code-set freeze in effect, and the limited.
a severe calorie deficiency, mostly occurring in young children. Whereas, emaciated is a descriptive. term, meaning unusually thin due to wasting. Although the Index currently refers to code 261, a.
Emaciation (due to malnutrition) 261. Answer: No, it is not correct to assign code 261, Nutritional marasmus, if the physician only documents. emaciated or emaciation without the documentation of “malnutrition.”. Assign code 799.4, Cachexia, for a diagnosis of emaciated/emaciation.
coders do not feel that it is appropriate to report code 261, Nutritional marasmus, for the diagnosis. of emaciated, since there is no specific index entry for emaciated. Other coders feel that “emaciation”. and “emaciated” are the same conditions, and therefore, code 261 is appropriate for the diagnosis of. emaciated.
Our coders will not pick it up if it is just mentioned in the PE, same as they will not pick up anything the physician lists while give test/lab results.