ICD-10 Code K90 – Intestinal malabsorption (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K90 – Intestinal malabsorption
What it is
K90 identifies intestinal malabsorption, a condition where the bowel does not absorb nutrients normally. Use it when the record documents impaired intestinal absorption without a more specific diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Common features include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, and nutrient deficiencies. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K90 when the provider documents intestinal malabsorption or malabsorption syndrome and does not specify a more exact cause. It may apply when evaluation notes poor absorption of nutrients, with or without related deficiency findings. Check documentation for the underlying disorder if one is named.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific abdominal symptoms alone or for a confirmed cause that has its own code. Do not assign it when the chart only suggests malabsorption without provider confirmation.
Coding tip
Code the documented underlying etiology first when it is specified, and use K90 only for the malabsorption diagnosis itself.