Find information on poor appetite, anorexia, loss of appetite, decreased appetite, and appetite suppression. Learn about the clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (R63.0), SNOMED CT codes, and medical coding guidelines associated with diagnosing and managing poor appetite in healthcare settings. Explore resources for healthcare professionals regarding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for patients experiencing a diminished desire to eat.
Also known as
Anorexia
Lack or loss of appetite resulting in the inability to eat.
Eating disorders
Conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits.
Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms can often lead to decreased appetite.
External causes of morbidity
Certain injuries or poisonings may cause temporary appetite loss.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Poor Appetite |
| Anorexia |
| Cachexia |
Q: What are the most effective strategies for diagnosing poor appetite in older adults with multiple comorbidities?
A: Diagnosing poor appetite in older adults with multiple comorbidities requires a comprehensive approach considering various contributing factors. Start with a thorough medical history, including medication review, as polypharmacy can significantly impact appetite. Physical examination should assess for signs of malnutrition, dehydration, and underlying medical conditions. Laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and thyroid function tests, can help identify nutritional deficiencies or other medical issues. Furthermore, assessing functional status, including the ability to shop for and prepare food, is crucial. Screening tools like the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) can be valuable for identifying patients at risk. Finally, consider a social history assessment to understand potential psychosocial factors impacting appetite, such as isolation or depression. Explore how integrating these strategies can enhance your diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Consider implementing validated screening tools for early detection of poor appetite in this complex patient population.
Q: How can I differentiate between age-related physiological anorexia and pathological causes of poor appetite in elderly patients?
A: Differentiating between age-related physiological anorexia and pathological poor appetite requires careful evaluation. While a gradual decrease in appetite with age is normal, significant weight loss or functional decline warrants further investigation. Consider age-related changes like decreased taste sensation and slower gastric emptying as potential contributing factors to physiological anorexia. However, red flags like unintentional weight loss exceeding 5% in six months, new-onset difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or persistent nausea and vomiting suggest a pathological cause. Evaluate for underlying medical conditions, such as infections, malignancy, or gastrointestinal disorders. Medication side effects, depression, and social factors, such as bereavement or isolation, can also contribute to poor appetite. Learn more about evidence-based guidelines for managing unintentional weight loss in the elderly to ensure accurate diagnosis and targeted interventions. Consider implementing a stepped approach to evaluation, starting with a detailed history and physical exam before proceeding to more invasive investigations.
Patient presents with decreased appetite (poor appetite, anorexia) impacting nutritional intake. Onset of symptoms is reported as [duration and onset - e.g., gradual over the past two weeks, sudden onset three days ago]. Patient reports consuming [estimated percentage or description - e.g., approximately 50% of usual intake, only small portions of meals]. Associated symptoms include [list associated symptoms, e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, altered taste, difficulty chewing or swallowing]. Patient denies [relevant negatives - e.g., fever, chills, diarrhea, recent infections]. Medical history includes [list relevant medical history, e.g., diabetes, hypertension, recent surgery, cancer, depression, medications]. Current medications include [list all current medications including dosage and frequency]. Physical examination reveals [relevant findings, e.g., stable vital signs, abdominal exam unremarkable, signs of dehydration, weight change from baseline]. Differential diagnosis includes [list potential diagnoses - e.g., gastrointestinal disorders, psychological factors, medication side effects, malignancy]. Assessment: Poor appetite (anorexia) likely secondary to [presumed cause, e.g., medication side effects, underlying medical condition]. Plan: Further investigation to determine underlying etiology including [list planned investigations, e.g., complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, thyroid function tests]. Dietary counseling recommended to address nutritional deficiencies. Patient education provided on strategies to improve appetite including [list strategies, e.g., smaller, more frequent meals, high-calorie snacks, appealing food choices]. Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to reassess symptoms and discuss results of investigations. ICD-10 code: R63.0 (Anorexia).