Other specified intestinal malabsorption

This code represents intestinal malabsorption conditions that are not specifically classified elsewhere. It indicates a generalized or localized impairment in the absorption of nutrients (e.g., fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals) from the gastrointestinal tract, leading to various nutritional deficiencies. This can result from diverse underlying etiologies affecting the intestinal mucosa or digestive processes.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of intestinal malabsorption that does not fit more specific ICD-9-CM codes for conditions like celiac disease, tropical sprue, or disaccharidase deficiency. This code is appropriate for conditions such as short bowel syndrome, radiation enteritis with malabsorption, or chronic pancreatitis-induced malabsorption when a more specific code for the malabsorption itself is unavailable. Supporting documentation should detail the malabsorption and rule out more specific causes.

• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "other specified intestinal malabsorption" or describes a malabsorption syndrome not covered by more specific codes.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause of the malabsorption, if known and applicable (e.g., Crohn's disease, pancreatic insufficiency).
• Avoid using this code if a more specific malabsorption syndrome (e.g., celiac disease, lactose intolerance) is documented; those conditions have their own distinct codes.