ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code E43: Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
4Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89)
block
E40-E46Malnutrition
currentE40-E46
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Starvation edema
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
EndocrinologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 82306high
VITAMIN D; 25 HYDROXY, INCLUDES FRACTION(S), IF PERFORMED
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 82652high
VITAMIN D; 1, 25 DIHYDROXY, INCLUDES FRACTION(S), IF PERFORMED
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43260high
ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP); DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43278high
ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP); WITH ABLATION OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S), INCLUDING PRE- AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43261high
ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP); WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43265high
ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP); WITH DESTRUCTION OF CALCULI, ANY METHOD (EG, MECHANICAL, ELECTROHYDRAULIC, LITHOTRIPSY)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 371597004high
Emaciated
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1875321000000106high
GLIM (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition) stage 2 severe malnutrition
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 360562008high
Nutritional oedema without dyspigmentation of skin AND/OR hair
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 19901000119103high
Oedema co-occurrent and due to nutritional deficiency
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 360549009high
Severe protein-calorie malnutrition (Gomez: less than 60 percent of standard weight)
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 441951000124102high
Starvation-related malnutrition
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
E43
Common synonyms
Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.