Underfeeding of newborn

This code signifies a newborn who is not receiving adequate nutritional intake, leading to insufficient weight gain or weight loss. It describes a state of caloric deficit in the neonate, often due to issues with feeding technique, milk supply, or the infant's ability to feed effectively.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a newborn is experiencing inadequate feeding, such as noted by poor latch, insufficient milk transfer, or a physician's diagnosis of underfeeding. Supporting documentation includes feeding assessments, weight charts showing poor gain or loss, and physician notes detailing feeding difficulties.

• Differentiate from other feeding problems; this code specifically addresses insufficient intake, not necessarily an inability to digest.
• Consider sequencing this code after a more definitive diagnosis if the underfeeding is a symptom of another underlying condition (e.g., prematurity, congenital anomaly).
• Ensure documentation clearly states "underfeeding" or describes the clinical picture of insufficient caloric intake in the newborn.