Body mass index pediatric, less than 5th percentile for age

This code signifies that a pediatric patient's Body Mass Index (BMI) falls below the 5th percentile for their age and sex. This indicates underweight status in children and adolescents, suggesting potential nutritional deficiencies or underlying health issues impacting growth.

Apply this code when a healthcare provider documents a pediatric patient as underweight based on a BMI measurement that is less than the 5th percentile for their age and sex. This is commonly used in well-child visits, growth monitoring, or when evaluating concerns about poor weight gain or failure to thrive.

• Always ensure the medical record clearly documents the patient's age, sex, BMI calculation, and that it falls below the 5th percentile.
• This code should be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis when an underlying condition causing the low BMI is identified and coded first.
• Do not use this code for adult patients; specific codes exist for adult underweight status.