ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code E46: Unspecified 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 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
- Malnutrition NOS
- Protein-calorie imbalance NOS
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- nutritional deficiency NOS (E63.9)
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 11720high
DEBRIDEMENT OF NAIL(S) BY ANY METHOD(S); 1 TO 5
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11721high
DEBRIDEMENT OF NAIL(S) BY ANY METHOD(S); 6 OR MORE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
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
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 441961000124100high
Acute disease or injury-related malnutrition
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 762498002high
Acute malnutrition in adolescence
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 762497007high
Acute malnutrition in childhood
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 762496003high
Acute malnutrition in infancy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 360554000high
Alimentary edema
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1231644001high
Cataract due to undernutrition
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
E46
Common synonyms
Unspecified 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.