Muscle wasting and atrophy, NEC, multiple sites

This code signifies a generalized reduction in muscle mass and size across multiple body regions, not attributable to a specific disease process classified elsewhere. It indicates a significant loss of muscle tissue affecting various anatomical sites, often leading to weakness and functional impairment.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates widespread muscle wasting or atrophy affecting more than one distinct body area, and a more specific underlying cause (e.g., neurological disease, nutritional deficiency) has not been identified or is not the primary diagnosis. Supporting documentation should describe the multi-site involvement and rule out more specific conditions.

• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "multiple sites" or lists several affected areas to justify this code over a site-specific atrophy code.
• Always look for an underlying cause (e.g., malignancy, neurological disorder, severe malnutrition) and code it first if it's the primary reason for the muscle wasting.
• Distinguish from sarcopenia (M62.84), which is age-related muscle loss, and cachexia (R64), which is severe wasting due to chronic illness.