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

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

Also known as:

Loss of AppetiteDecreased AppetiteAnorexia (non-psychological)

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Poor Appetite

R63.0Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving food and fluid intake

Primary code for idiopathic poor appetite not due to psychological causes.

Eating disorders

Differential diagnosis for psychological causes of anorexia.

Malnutrition

Related to poor appetite when malnutrition is present.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for poor appetite

Essential facts and insights about Poor Appetite

The ICD-10 code for poor appetite is R63.0, used for idiopathic anorexia not linked to psychological causes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for poor appetite

Anorexia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of psychological factors

documentation Criteria

  • Documented weight loss and reduced intake

Applicable To

  • Loss of appetite
  • Decreased appetite

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented weight loss ≥5% over 1 month
  • Albumin <3.5 g/dL
  • Reduced caloric intake

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse for anorexia nervosa
  • Lack of supporting documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of psychological causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition

E46
Use when malnutrition is documented alongside poor appetite.

Differential Codes

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

Anorexia nervosa

F50.01
Presence of body image distortion and fear of weight gain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Poor 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 treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific phrases like '75% reduction in appetite', Document associated weight loss

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use F50.01 for anorexia nervosa with psychological factors.

Impact

Lack of specific data can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of intake and weight loss.

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 Poor Appetite, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Poor Appetite

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

Oncology patient with poor appetite

Specialty: Oncology

Required Elements

  • Subjective report of appetite
  • Objective weight and lab data
  • Assessment linking poor appetite to treatment

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt reports 75% reduction in appetite x3 weeks, correlating with cycle 2 of FOLFIRINOX. **Objective**: Weight: 62 kg (↓8% from baseline 67 kg), BMI: 18.5, Labs: Albumin 2.9 g/dL, prealbumin 12 mg/dL **Assessment**: R63.0 (Anorexia) secondary to C25.9 (Pancreatic cancer), E46 (Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition) **Plan**: Nutrition consult, appetite stimulants

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Poor appetite noted.
Good Documentation Example
Poor appetite (R63.0) secondary to chemotherapy, resulting in 6% weight loss over 2 weeks. BMI 18.2. Albumin 2.8 g/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific data and links poor appetite to treatment.

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

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