Adult osteomalacia due to malabsorption

This code signifies adult osteomalacia, a condition characterized by defective bone mineralization, specifically when the underlying cause is malabsorption. This leads to softening of the bones, making them weak and prone to fractures.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates adult osteomalacia and explicitly links its etiology to a malabsorptive disorder, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or post-gastrectomy syndromes. Supporting documentation should include diagnostic findings consistent with osteomalacia (e.g., imaging, bone biopsy) and evidence of malabsorption.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "adult" osteomalacia; pediatric cases would use different codes.
• Always code the underlying malabsorptive condition first, if known and documented, as the primary diagnosis.
• Differentiate from osteoporosis (decreased bone mass) and osteopenia (reduced bone density), which are distinct conditions.