Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition (E46) ICD-10-CM
The E46 code range covers unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Malnutrition NOS
- Protein-calorie imbalance NOS
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- nutritional deficiency NOS E63.9
Codes in the E46 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- E46 Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the E46 range.
Child Nutrition Disorders
Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, occurring in children ages 2 to 12 years.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
A life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, primarily of TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS with severe INSULIN deficiency and extreme HYPERGLYCEMIA. It is characterized by KETOSIS; DEHYDRATION; and depressed consciousness leading to COMA.
Fetal Nutrition Disorders
Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, in the FETUS in utero.
Fetus
The unborn young of a viviparous mammal, in the postembryonic period, after the major structures have been outlined. In humans, the unborn young from the end of the eighth week after CONCEPTION until BIRTH, as distinguished from the earlier EMBRYO, MAMMALIAN.
Hypoalbuminemia
A condition in which albumin level in blood (SERUM ALBUMIN) is below the normal range. Hypoalbuminemia may be due to decreased hepatic albumin synthesis, increased albumin catabolism, altered albumin distribution, or albumin loss through the urine (ALBUMINURIA).
Hypoproteinemia
A condition in which total serum protein level is below the normal range. Hypoproteinemia can be caused by protein malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract, EDEMA, or PROTEINURIA.
Infant Nutrition Disorders
Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, occurring in infants ages 1 month to 24 months.
Malnutrition
An imbalanced nutritional status resulting from insufficient intake of nutrients to meet normal physiological requirement.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition
The lack of sufficient energy or protein to meet the body's metabolic demands, as a result of either an inadequate dietary intake of protein, intake of poor quality dietary protein, increased demands due to disease, or increased nutrient losses.
Protein-Losing Enteropathies
Pathological conditions in the INTESTINES that are characterized by the gastrointestinal loss of serum proteins, including SERUM ALBUMIN; IMMUNOGLOBULINS; and at times LYMPHOCYTES. Severe condition can result in HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA or LYMPHOPENIA. Protein-losing enteropathies are associated with a number of diseases including INTESTINAL LYMPHANGIECTASIS; WHIPPLE'S DISEASE; and NEOPLASMS of the SMALL INTESTINE.
Severe Acute Malnutrition
Acute form of MALNUTRITION which usually affects children, characterized by a very low weight for height (below -3z scores of the median World Health Organization standards), visible severe wasting, or occurrence of nutritional EDEMA. It can be a direct or indirect cause of fatality in children suffering from DIARRHEA and PNEUMONIA. Do not confuse with starvation, a condition in which the body is not getting enough food, usually for extended periods of time.
About the E46 Code Range
ICD-10 code E46 is used to identify cases of unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition, a condition where the body lacks adequate protein and calories but without a more specific classification. This code applies when the exact type or cause of malnutrition isn't determined.
Unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition covers a range of nutritional deficiencies impacting overall health, often related to conditions such as hypoalbuminemia, protein deficiency diseases, and metabolic complications like malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus. Commonly connected terms like pre-existing malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus or starvation-related malnutrition help clarify that this code includes malnutrition that influences diabetes or develops due to inadequate nutrient intake. It also includes symptoms seen in children, such as nutritional maltreatment or child neglect, and physical signs like skin and hair changes resulting from poor nutrition. Using the ICD-10 code for unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition (E46) assists healthcare professionals and coders in documenting patients with these broad and sometimes complex nutritional disorders when more precise codes are not applicable.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the E46 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the E46 range classify?
The range classifies unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
