Adult failure to thrive

This code represents a syndrome in adults characterized by progressive functional decline, weight loss, decreased appetite, and often social withdrawal. It signifies a general deterioration of physical and mental health without a specific underlying acute illness fully explaining the decline.

This code is appropriate for documenting a patient's overall decline in health and function, particularly when a more specific diagnosis for the underlying cause is not yet established or fully accounts for the "failure to thrive" presentation. Documentation should clearly describe the patient's progressive decline, including weight loss, decreased functional status, and/or cognitive impairment.

• Do not use this code as a primary diagnosis if a more specific underlying condition (e.g., malignancy, severe depression, end-stage organ disease) is identified and fully explains the patient's decline.
• This code can be used as a secondary diagnosis to further describe the patient's overall status when a primary diagnosis is present but doesn't fully capture the extent of the "failure to thrive."
• Ensure documentation supports the "adult" aspect, as there are separate codes for pediatric failure to thrive.