Failure to thrive in newborn

This code signifies a newborn's inability to gain weight or maintain appropriate growth patterns, indicating inadequate nutritional intake or utilization. It reflects a significant deviation from expected growth trajectories during the neonatal period.

Apply this code when a neonate (birth to 28 days old) exhibits insufficient weight gain, weight loss, or a decline in growth percentiles, as documented by the physician. Supporting documentation should include growth charts, feeding history, and clinical assessment findings.

• Ensure the patient's age is explicitly documented as 28 days old or younger to differentiate from failure to thrive in older infants.
• Do not code this with R62.51, as per the Excludes1 note.
• Look for documentation of underlying causes, which may require additional codes.