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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. E00–E89
  4. E40-E46
  5. Protein-calorie malnutrition of moderate and mild degree (E44)

Protein-calorie malnutrition of moderate and mild degree (E44)

ICD-10 code E44 covers protein-calorie malnutrition of moderate and mild degrees, which describes conditions where the body lacks adequate protein and calories for proper nutrition. These codes are used to identify and document cases where nutritional intake falls below healthy standards but is not severe.

This section includes E44.0 for moderate protein-calorie malnutrition and E44.1 for mild protein-calorie malnutrition. Moderate cases, sometimes called moderate protein energy malnutrition or malnutrition of moderate degree, reflect weight-for-age between 60 and 74 percent of a standard reference. Mild protein-calorie malnutrition corresponds to weight-for-age between 75 and 89 percent of the standard. These alternate names and weight-based criteria help medical coders select the correct ICD-10 code for malnutrition when evaluating nutritional status. Health professionals use these codes to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and documentation of non-severe nutritional deficiencies related to insufficient protein and calorie consumption.

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

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.