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R63.5
ICD-10-CM
Weight Gain

Understand weight gain diagnosis, documentation, and medical coding. Find information on clinical terms, ICD-10 codes (E66.01, E66.09, E66.9), SNOMED CT, and differential diagnoses related to unexplained weight increase, rapid weight gain, or excessive weight gain. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper clinical evaluation, assessment, and management of weight gain in patients. Learn about relevant laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures for weight gain evaluation and documentation.

Also known as

Abnormal Weight Gain
Unexplained Weight Gain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : An increase in body weight, reflecting an excess accumulation of body fat andor fluid.
  • Clinical Signs : Increased body mass index (BMI), elevated waist circumference, changes in clothing size.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, weight management clinics, endocrinology, bariatric surgery.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R63.5 Coding
R63.5

Weight gain

Abnormal weight increase, not elsewhere classified.

E66.0

Obesity due to excess calories

Weight gain from excessive calorie intake.

E66.3

Overweight

Increased body weight exceeding healthy norms.

E66.8

Other obesity

Obesity not otherwise specified, including drug-induced weight gain.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is weight gain due to an underlying medical condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to endocrine disorder?

  • No

    Is weight gain excessive and unhealthy?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Weight increase, unspecified reason.
Weight gain due to medication.
Weight gain due to fluid retention.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Weight gain onset date
  • Weight gain quantification (lbs/kg)
  • Underlying causes/contributing factors
  • Associated symptoms (if any)
  • Differential diagnoses considered

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document specific causes (ICD-10-CM E66.x) for accurate coding.
  • Evaluate and document comorbidities impacting weight (e.g., hypothyroidism).
  • Capture BMI and waist circumference for risk assessment and CDI.
  • Detail patient education on diet, exercise, & behavior modification.
  • Ensure medication documentation reflects weight gain as a side effect.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify documented dietary habits and calorie intake
  • Review medication list for contributing drugs
  • Assess thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4) levels
  • Check for signs of Cushing syndrome or other endocrine disorders
  • Confirm accurate weight measurement and BMI calculation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Weight gain diagnosis coding impacts reimbursement through accurate E/M coding and risk adjustment.
  • Correct weight gain ICD-10 coding improves quality reporting metrics for obesity and related conditions.
  • Accurate coding and documentation affect hospital revenue cycle management for weight-related comorbidities.
  • Precise weight gain coding ensures appropriate reimbursement for nutritional counseling and other interventions.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document specific weight changes
  • Code underlying causes of weight gain
  • Specify timeframe of weight increase
  • Query physician if cause unclear
  • Consider BMI and related codes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with weight gain, medically documented as excessive or unwanted weight increase.  The patient reports a gradual increase in weight over [timeframe], with a total weight gain of [amount].  Differential diagnoses considered include hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, medication-induced weight gain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and lifestyle factors such as increased caloric intake and decreased physical activity.  Assessment includes a review of the patient's medical history, current medications, dietary habits, and exercise regimen.  Physical examination reveals [objective findings related to weight, such as BMI, waist circumference, distribution of body fat].  Laboratory tests, including [list tests such as thyroid panel, fasting glucose, lipid panel], were ordered to evaluate potential underlying medical causes.  Patient education provided on healthy lifestyle modifications, including dietary counseling focusing on portion control and balanced nutrition, and recommendations for increased physical activity.  Treatment plan includes [mention specific interventions such as referral to a registered dietitian, exercise program, behavioral therapy for weight management, or pharmacotherapy if indicated].  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [timeframe] to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The patient's weight gain is being monitored for potential complications such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis.  ICD-10 code [relevant code such as E66.9 for unspecified obesity or R63.5 for overweight] assigned based on patient's BMI and clinical presentation.
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