Polyphagia

This code represents an abnormally increased appetite or excessive hunger, often leading to overeating. It is a symptom, not a disease itself, indicating an underlying metabolic, endocrine, or psychological disturbance.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states polyphagia as a presenting symptom or a finding during an encounter. This is commonly seen in conditions like uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, or certain psychiatric disorders. Supporting documentation should clearly describe the patient's increased food intake or persistent hunger.

• Always code the underlying condition causing the polyphagia first, if known and documented.
• Do not use this code if the increased appetite is a normal physiological response (e.g., after intense exercise) rather than a pathological symptom.
• Distinguish from polydipsia (excessive thirst) or polyuria (excessive urination), which are separate symptoms often co-occurring with polyphagia in conditions like diabetes.