2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T73.0XXAStarvation, initial encounter
T73.0XXA is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for starvation, initial encounter. The 7th character A marks it as an initial encounter code, used while the patient is receiving active treatment. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 922 through 923. Coders also document this condition as anemia due to starvation. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Effect of other external causes, initial encounter; External cause codes: intent of injury, accidental/unintentional; and External cause codes: natural/environment; initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Anemia due to starvation
- Deprivation of food
- Starvation
- Starvation ketoacidosis
- Starvation-related malnutrition
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Effects of other deprivation (T73). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Instructional NotesGuidance
Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to T73.0XXA: its own notes plus those printed at T73, block T66-T78, and Chapter 19. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.
Excludes2
Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.
Use Additional Code
Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Code Also
A second code may be needed to fully describe the condition; the note gives no sequencing direction.
- if applicable, place of occurrence, such as:
- highway rest stop (Y92.523)
- school (private) (public) (state) as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.21-)
- service areas as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.52-)
- single-family non-institutional (private) house as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.01-)
- transport vehicle as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.81-)
Notes
General instructions on how these codes are used.
- Use secondary code(s) from Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity, to indicate cause of injury. Codes within the T section that include the external cause do not require an additional external cause code
- The chapter uses the S-section for coding different types of injuries related to single body regions and the T-section to cover injuries to unspecified body regions as well as poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes.
7th Character
Every code in the category takes a 7th character from the listed values, with the placeholder X filling any empty positions before it.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T73
- Ainitial encounter this code
- Dsubsequent encounter
- Ssequela
Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.
Referenced in Other NotesGuidance
Instructional notes printed at other codes that name T73.0XXA, its category, or a range that includes it.
Excludes2 3
These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming T73.0XXA: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Clinical InformationClinical
Starvation
lengthy and continuous deprivation of food. (stedman, 25th ed)
Patient EducationClinical
Malnutrition
Malnutrition means that your body isn't getting enough calories or the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy. This can happen if you don't get enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats, eat too much unhealthy food, or don't get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
The full article covers:
- What is malnutrition?
- What are the types of malnutrition?
- What causes malnutrition?
- Who is at risk for developing malnutrition?
- What are the symptoms of malnutrition?
- How is malnutrition diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for malnutrition?
- Can malnutrition be prevented?
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert T73.0XXA to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T73.0XXAOverview
What is the ICD-10 code for starvation, initial encounter?
The ICD-10-CM code for starvation, initial encounter is T73.0XXA (sometimes written as T730XXA). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Is T73.0XXA (Starvation) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report starvation, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
What does the 7th character A in T73.0XXA mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for starvation, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does T73.0XXA group to?
When starvation, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 923, 922, with relative weights from 0.9980 to 1.6248 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T73.0XXA?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, starvation, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 994.2 (effects of hunger) and E904.1 (lack of food). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
