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ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Appetite(R63.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Decreased Appetite. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Loss of AppetiteAnorexia (non-psychological)

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased Appetite

R63.0-R63.4Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving food and fluid intake

This range includes codes for symptoms related to appetite and weight changes, with R63.0 specifically for decreased appetite.

Malnutrition

These codes are used when malnutrition is present due to decreased appetite.

Eating disorders

These codes are used for psychological eating disorders, which exclude the use of R63.0.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for decreased appetite

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Appetite

The ICD-10 code for decreased appetite is R63.0, used for non-psychological loss of appetite.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for decreased appetite

Anorexia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented persistent lack of interest in eating

coding Criteria

  • Absence of psychological factors

documentation Criteria

  • Weight loss percentage and duration

Applicable To

  • Loss of appetite

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Persistent lack of interest in eating for ≥2 weeks
  • Unintentional weight loss of ≥5% over 1 month
  • Muscle wasting or subcutaneous fat loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with anorexia nervosa
  • Inadequate documentation of weight loss

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of psychological causes when using R63.0.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition

E43
Use when severe malnutrition is documented alongside decreased appetite.

Body mass index (BMI)

Z68.x
Document BMI when available to support nutritional status.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Anorexia nervosa

F50.0
Presence of psychological factors such as fear of weight gain.

Abnormal weight loss

R63.4
Use when weight loss is documented without specific appetite loss.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Appetite to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R63.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical assessment, Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Risk of claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific metrics and timeframes, Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F50.0- codes for psychological causes.

Impact

Using R63.0 for cases of anorexia nervosa.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the absence of psychological factors before coding.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Decreased Appetite, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased Appetite

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Decreased Appetite. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chemotherapy-induced anorexia

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Appetite loss duration
  • Weight loss percentage
  • BMI documentation
  • Lab values

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits persistent appetite loss post-chemotherapy, with an 8% weight loss over 3 weeks and a BMI of 17.2.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient isn’t eating well.
Good Documentation Example
50% reduction in oral intake over 14 days, 6% weight loss in 30 days, triceps skinfold <5th percentile.
Explanation
The good example provides specific metrics and timeframes, essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Decreased Appetite? Ask your questions below.

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