ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code K90.9: Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified
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 Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents intestinal malabsorption, unspecified 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
11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
block
K90-K95Other diseases of the digestive system
category
K90Intestinal malabsorption
currentK90
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
GastroenterologistGeneral 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 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 36355001high
Abnormal intestinal absorption
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 713505000high
Gastrointestinal malabsorption syndrome co-occurrent with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 197476001high
Intestinal malabsorption
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 197495008high
Malabsorption - iron
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 77147000high
Malabsorption in the elderly
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 32230006high
Malabsorption syndrome
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
K90.9
Common synonyms
Intestinal malabsorption, unspecifiedIntestinal malabsorption
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.