ICD-10 code for extreme wasting

The ICD-10-CM code for extreme wasting is E43 (Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on E43.

As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 640 (Miscellaneous Disorders of Nutrition, Metabolism, Fluids and Electrolytes with MCC, relative weight 1.3395), DRG 641 (Miscellaneous Disorders of Nutrition, Metabolism, Fluids and Electrolytes without MCC, relative weight 0.7865), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and DRG 793 (Full Term Neonate with Major Problems, relative weight 4.2195), in MDC 10 (Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases and Disorders) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.