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E66.01
ICD-10-CM
Severe Obesity

Find comprehensive information on severe obesity diagnosis, including relevant healthcare guidelines, clinical documentation best practices, and medical coding specifics like ICD-10 codes E66.01 (BMI 35-39.9 with comorbidity) and E66.09 (BMI 40+). Learn about accurate BMI calculation, comorbidity documentation, and appropriate terminology for effective medical record keeping and billing related to severe obesity management. Explore resources for healthcare professionals addressing this complex condition.

Also known as

Morbid Obesity
Class 3 Obesity

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : BMI of 40 or greater, significantly increasing health risks.
  • Clinical Signs : Excessive body fat, difficulty with physical activity, shortness of breath.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, weight management clinics, bariatric surgery centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC E66.01 Coding
E66.01

Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories

Severe obesity caused by consuming too many calories.

E66.09

Other morbid (severe) obesity

Severe obesity due to reasons other than excess calories.

E66.8

Other obesity

Obesity not otherwise specified, including drug-induced.

E66.9

Obesity, unspecified

Obesity where the underlying cause is not documented.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

BMI documented?

  • Yes

    BMI >= 40 kg/m2?

  • No

    Insufficient documentation to code severe obesity. Query provider.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Severe Obesity
Obesity
Overweight

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Severe obesity diagnosis documented
  • BMI 40 kg/m2 or greater recorded
  • Obesity-related comorbidities specified
  • Impact on patient's functional status noted
  • Treatment plan and goals addressed

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • BMI Coding Errors

    Inaccurate BMI documentation or coding leading to incorrect severity assignment or missed Severe Obesity diagnosis (E66.01).

  • Comorbidity Overlap

    Miscoding related conditions like hypertension or diabetes as complications of obesity when they are independent diagnoses.

  • Unspecified Obesity

    Using unspecified obesity codes (E66.9) when documentation supports Severe Obesity, impacting reimbursement and data accuracy.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate BMI coding (Z68.41) with ICD-10 guidelines for CDI
  • Document comorbidities linked to obesity for risk adjustment HCC coding
  • Verify payer medical necessity criteria for bariatric surgery pre-authorization
  • Standardized obesity documentation templates improve data integrity and compliance
  • Patient education materials improve compliance with weight management plans

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify BMI 40 kg/m2 or greater
  • Document comorbidity impact assessment
  • Assess and document lifestyle interventions
  • Review and document weight loss history
  • Evaluate bariatric surgery eligibility

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Severe Obesity: ICD-10-CM E66.01 impacts reimbursement through accurate coding, affecting MS-DRG assignment and hospital case mix index.
  • Coding accuracy for comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes impacts CC/MCC capture, influencing reimbursement and quality metrics.
  • Proper documentation of obesity severity and related complications is crucial for appropriate reimbursement and accurate hospital reporting.
  • Timely and accurate coding of E66.01 and associated comorbidities improves claim processing efficiency, minimizing denials and maximizing revenue.

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 E66.01 for Severe Obesity
  • BMI 40+ confirms diagnosis
  • Document comorbidities
  • Query physician if BMI unclear
  • Check for related conditions

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with severe obesity, clinically diagnosed as a body mass index (BMI) of 40.5 kg/m2, exceeding the threshold for class III obesity.  The patient reports significant weight gain over the past five years, attributed to a combination of poor dietary habits, including high caloric intake and consumption of sugary drinks, and a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity.  Associated health risks related to severe obesity were discussed, including increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer.  The patient acknowledges the health implications and expresses motivation for weight loss.  Current medications include over-the-counter ibuprofen for occasional knee pain.  Physical examination reveals elevated blood pressure (140/90 mmHg) and abdominal adiposity.  Laboratory tests were ordered to assess for comorbidities, including fasting blood glucose, lipid panel, and liver function tests.  Initial treatment plan includes lifestyle modifications, focusing on dietary changes with a calorie-controlled diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and increased physical activity with a goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.  Referral to a registered dietitian for nutritional counseling and a certified fitness trainer for exercise guidance is recommended.  Consideration for bariatric surgery will be discussed pending laboratory results and response to initial lifestyle interventions.  Patient education provided on the health risks of severe obesity, benefits of weight loss, and strategies for long-term weight management. Follow-up appointment scheduled in four weeks to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.