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ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Oral Intake(R63.8, E43)

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

Also known as:

Poor Oral IntakeReduced Food Consumption

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Decreased Oral Intake

R63.0-R63.8Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving nutritional intake

This range includes codes for symptoms related to nutritional intake, such as anorexia and feeding difficulties.

E40-E46

Malnutrition

This range is relevant when decreased oral intake is due to malnutrition, requiring specific malnutrition codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R63.8Other symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intakeUse when the cause of decreased oral intake is unspecified.
  • Daily intake logs <50% for 3 days
  • Weight loss ≥5% over 1 month
E43Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutritionUse when decreased intake results in severe malnutrition.
  • BMI <18.5
  • Albumin <3.0 g/dL
  • Weight loss >10%

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for decreased oral intake

Essential facts and insights about Decreased Oral Intake

The ICD-10 code for decreased oral intake is R63.8, used when the cause is unspecified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased oral intake

R63.8
Other symptoms and signs concerning food and fluid intake
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented intake <50% of needs without known cause.

Applicable To

  • Poor oral intake
  • Decreased oral intake

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Daily intake logs <50% for 3 days
  • Weight loss ≥5% over 1 month

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using R63.8 when a more specific code is available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of a known cause before using R63.8.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Feeding difficulties

R63.3
Use when feeding difficulties are documented alongside decreased intake.

Differential Codes

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

Feeding difficulties

R63.3
Use R63.3 when there are documented swallowing issues.

Anorexia

R63.0
Use R63.0 for loss of appetite without organic cause.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Oral Intake to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R63.8.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language in documentation, Include clinical evaluations and tests

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R64 (Cachexia) when cachexia is documented.

Impact

Using R63.8 without documenting intake specifics or cause.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes detailed intake logs and clinical evaluations.

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 Oral Intake, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Decreased Oral Intake

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

Geriatric patient with decreased intake

Specialty: Geriatrics

Required Elements

  • Oral intake percentage
  • Weight loss percentage
  • Swallowing evaluation results

Example Documentation

84F with advanced dementia: Oral intake 20% of meals x 5 days. SLP eval shows ineffective chewing (DSS Level 3). Weight loss 8% in 30 days. Plan: initiate pureed diet + calorie counts.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient eating poorly.
Good Documentation Example
Oral intake <30% of daily requirements for 7 days due to dysphagia confirmed by MBS study.
Explanation
The good example provides specific intake percentages and a documented cause.

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

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