Body mass index [BMI] 19.9 or less, adult

This code indicates an adult patient has a Body Mass Index (BMI) that falls below the healthy weight range, specifically 19.9 or less. This can signify underweight status, which may be associated with various underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies.

Use this code when documentation clearly states an adult patient's BMI is 19.9 or lower. This is often seen in patients with eating disorders, malabsorption syndromes, chronic illnesses leading to weight loss, or those undergoing cancer treatment. It should be reported as a secondary diagnosis when the low BMI is clinically significant.

• Always confirm the patient's age to ensure they are an adult before assigning this code.
• Report this code as a secondary diagnosis unless the low BMI is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Look for associated conditions or symptoms that explain the low BMI and code them as primary diagnoses when appropriate.