ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code E44.0: Moderate 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 moderate 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
category
E44Protein-calorie malnutrition of moderate and mild degree
currentE44
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 43235high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; DIAGNOSTIC, INCLUDING COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN(S) BY BRUSHING OR WASHING, WHEN PERFORMED (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43270high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH ABLATION OF TUMOR(S), POLYP(S), OR OTHER LESION(S) (INCLUDES PRE- AND POST-DILATION AND GUIDE WIRE PASSAGE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43244high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH BAND LIGATION OF ESOPHAGEAL/GASTRIC VARICES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43239high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH BIOPSY, SINGLE OR MULTIPLE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43255high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH CONTROL OF BLEEDING, ANY METHOD
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 43233high
ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY, FLEXIBLE, TRANSORAL; WITH DILATION OF ESOPHAGUS WITH BALLOON (30 MM DIAMETER OR LARGER) (INCLUDES FLUOROSCOPIC GUIDANCE, WHEN PERFORMED)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 1875311000000100high
GLIM (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition) stage 1 moderate malnutrition
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 77091003high
Malnutrition of moderate degree (Gomez: 60 percent to less than 75 percent of standard weight)
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 190606006high
Moderate protein energy malnutrition
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 190602008high
Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition (weight for age 60-74 percent of standard)
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
E44.0
Common synonyms
Moderate 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.