Early satiety

This code describes the sensation of feeling full after consuming only a small amount of food, often disproportionate to the actual caloric intake. It indicates a premature cessation of eating due to a feeling of fullness, rather than a lack of appetite or nausea. This symptom can significantly impact nutritional status and overall health.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "early satiety" as a presenting symptom or a documented finding. It is appropriate when the patient reports feeling full quickly during meals, leading to reduced food intake. Supporting documentation should include patient complaints, physician notes, or dietary assessments confirming this specific symptom.

• Do not confuse with anorexia (lack of appetite) or nausea, which are distinct symptoms and coded separately.
• Always look for an underlying cause for early satiety, such as gastroparesis or malignancy, and code that primary condition first if identified and documented.
• This code represents a symptom; therefore, it should be sequenced after the definitive diagnosis if one is established and documented.