ICD-10 code for protein malnutrition

The ICD-10-CM code for protein malnutrition is E46 (Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition). The official index lists 16 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on E46.

Don't report E46 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: nutritional deficiency NOS (E63.9).

As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" 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.