Other severe protein-calorie malnutrition

This code signifies a severe form of malnutrition characterized by significant deficiencies in both protein and calorie intake, leading to generalized wasting of body tissues. It represents a more advanced and systemic nutritional deficit than milder forms of malnutrition, impacting overall physiological function.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "severe protein-calorie malnutrition" or describes a patient with severe marasmus or kwashiorkor that doesn't fit the specific criteria for those distinct conditions. Supporting documentation should detail significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and/or evidence of severe nutritional deficiency.

• Differentiate from specific types of severe malnutrition like marasmus (261) or kwashiorkor (260) if those are explicitly documented.
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis if the underlying cause of the malnutrition is known and documented.
• Ensure the medical record clearly supports the "severe" classification, as opposed to unspecified (263.9) or other milder forms.