Screening for malnutrition

This code signifies an encounter focused on identifying individuals at risk for or exhibiting signs of inadequate nutritional intake or absorption. It represents a proactive assessment to detect potential malnutrition before it becomes severe or symptomatic.

Use this code for routine screenings performed as part of a general health check-up, during hospital admissions, or in long-term care settings to assess nutritional status. It is appropriate when the primary reason for the encounter is to screen for malnutrition, not to diagnose or treat an established nutritional deficiency.

• Do not use this code if a definitive diagnosis of malnutrition (e.g., protein-calorie malnutrition) has already been established.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis when screening is part of a broader encounter, unless the sole purpose of the visit is the screening.
• Ensure supporting documentation clearly indicates the intent was a screening for malnutrition.