Body mass index [BMI] 38.0-38.9, adult

This code signifies an adult patient with a Body Mass Index (BMI) falling within the range of 38.0 to 38.9 kg/m². This BMI range indicates severe obesity, a condition associated with significant health risks.

This code is appropriate for documenting a patient's current BMI when it falls within the specified range, particularly when obesity is a contributing factor to other health conditions or is being actively managed. It should be used as a secondary diagnosis when the patient's primary reason for the encounter is related to an obesity-associated comorbidity.

• Always ensure the patient's age is 20 years or older to use adult BMI codes.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis for the encounter, unless obesity is the sole reason for the visit.
• Do not use this code if the patient's BMI is outside the 38.0-38.9 range; select the appropriate specific BMI code.