Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition (E43) ICD-10-CM
The E43 code range covers unspecified severe 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.
- Starvation edema
Codes in the E43 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- E43 Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the E43 range.
Child Nutrition Disorders
Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, occurring in children ages 2 to 12 years.
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.
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.
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.
Starvation
Lengthy and continuous deprivation of food. (Stedman, 25th ed)
About the E43 Code Range
ICD-10 code E43 is used to identify unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition, a serious condition where the body lacks adequate protein and calories. This code applies when the specific cause or type of malnutrition is not detailed but the severity is significant.
In medical coding, recognizing E43 helps capture cases of severe malnutrition often described by terms such as starvation, semi-starvation, or nutritional edema. For instance, it includes conditions where severe protein-calorie deficits occur due to chronic illness or diabetes types 1 and 2, even if the underlying reason isn't fully specified. This code also corresponds with descriptions like "severe protein-calorie malnutrition (Gomez method, less than 60% of standard weight)," guiding coders to precisely classify malnutrition when classical diagnostic details are absent. The ICD-10 code for severe protein-calorie malnutrition ensures proper documentation of critical nutritional deficiency states for effective clinical management and health record accuracy.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the E43 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 E43 range classify?
The range classifies unspecified severe 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.
