ICD-10 Code K90.3 – Pancreatic steatorrhea (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K90.3 – Pancreatic steatorrhea
What it is
Pancreatic steatorrhea is fatty, bulky stool caused by poor digestion of fat because the pancreas does not provide enough digestive enzymes. Use this code when the record identifies steatorrhea due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include greasy, foul-smelling, difficult-to-flush stools and evidence of fat malabsorption. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the underlying pancreatic disorder and whether exocrine insufficiency is stated.
When to use this code
Use K90.3 when the clinician documents pancreatic steatorrhea, pancreatic fat malabsorption, or steatorrhea specifically attributed to pancreatic insufficiency. It may also fit when the note clearly links the stool abnormality to chronic pancreatic disease. If the cause is not stated, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for steatorrhea from nonpancreatic causes, such as intestinal malabsorption or biliary disease. If the chart only says diarrhea, loose stools, or malabsorption without a pancreatic cause, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the documented pancreatic cause when available, and use K90.3 only when the record clearly ties steatorrhea to pancreatic origin.