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E66.9
ICD-10-CM
Obesity

Find comprehensive information on obesity diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes E66.0, E66.1, E66.2, E66.8, E66.9), BMI calculation, and relevant healthcare guidelines. Learn about the diagnostic criteria for obesity, comorbidities, treatment options, and best practices for accurate medical record keeping. This resource provides essential knowledge for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking information on obesity diagnosis and management.

Also known as

Overweight
Excessive Body Weight
Adiposity
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Excessive fat accumulation increasing health risks.
  • Clinical Signs : High BMI, increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, weight management clinics, bariatric surgery centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E66.9 Coding
E66.0-E66.9

Overweight and Obesity

Conditions related to excess body weight, including different types of obesity.

E65-E68

Nutritional Deficiencies and Obesity

Encompasses various nutritional disorders, ranging from deficiencies to obesity.

Z68.-

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Codes for documenting a patient's BMI, often associated with obesity assessment.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Excessive body fat, BMI 30+
Overweight, BMI 25-29.9
Morbid (severe) obesity, BMI 40+

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Obesity diagnosis documentation checklist
  • BMI calculation and recording (required)
  • Detailed patient weight history
  • Comorbidities linked to obesity
  • Lifestyle factors impacting weight
  • Assessment of obesity-related complications

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • BMI Coding Errors

    Incorrect BMI documentation or coding leading to inaccurate obesity severity classification (e.g., unspecified, morbid).

  • Comorbidity Overcoding

    Coding hypertension, diabetes, or other obesity-related conditions as complications without proper documentation linking them causally.

  • Unspecified Obesity

    Lack of specific documentation of BMI or other obesity indicators leading to use of unspecified obesity codes, impacting reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (E66.-) for obesity types.
  • Specific BMI documentation supports obesity diagnosis coding.
  • Comorbidities linked to obesity must be clearly documented.
  • Regular chart reviews enhance CDI for obesity management.
  • Standardized obesity documentation ensures compliance, improves data.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Calculate BMI: Record height & weight, compute BMI. Document units.
  • 2. Assess obesity stage: Classify BMI (e.g., Class 1, 2, 3). ICD-10 E66.x
  • 3. Document waist circumference: Measure abdominal circumference. Risk factor.
  • 4. Screen for comorbidities: Evaluate for hypertension, diabetes. SNOMED CT
  • 5. Lifestyle intervention: Counsel on diet, exercise, behavior change. ICD E66.9

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Obesity Diagnosis Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer reimbursements. Proper E66.x ICD-10 coding maximizes revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Obesity documentation affects hospital quality reporting scores for chronic disease management.
  • Risk Adjustment & HCC Coding: Accurate obesity coding (E66.0, E66.1, E66.2, E66.3, E66.8, E66.9) impacts risk adjustment models and HCCs.
  • Denial Management: Correct obesity diagnosis coding minimizes claim denials and improves revenue cycle management.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code first BMI 703.x
  • Document obesity details
  • Specify comorbidities
  • Validate ICD-10-CM E66.x
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents today for evaluation and management of obesity.  The patient reports concerns regarding weight gain, difficulty with mobility, and decreased energy levels.  Review of systems reveals positive findings for shortness of breath with exertion, daytime fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.  Past medical history is significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia.  Family history is positive for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Physical examination reveals an elevated BMI of 35.2 kgm2, classifying the patient as obese Class II.  Waist circumference is measured at 45 inches, indicating abdominal obesity and increased risk for metabolic syndrome.  Blood pressure is elevated at 14090 mmHg.  Diagnostic workup may include fasting blood glucose, lipid panel, and liver function tests to assess for obesity-related comorbidities.  The patient's obesity diagnosis is determined based on BMI and clinical presentation.  Differential diagnoses considered include hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.  The patient was counseled on lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes focusing on calorie reduction and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increased physical activity with a goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.  Referral to a registered dietitian and a certified fitness trainer was recommended.  Pharmacotherapy options for weight management were discussed, and the risks and benefits were explained.  The patient will follow up in one month to assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code E66.9 Obesity, unspecified is assigned.  Medical billing codes for this encounter may include 99214 for an established patient office visit with moderate complexity.  Emphasis was placed on patient education regarding the importance of weight loss for improving overall health and reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with obesity.
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