ICD-10 Code E44 – Protein-calorie malnutrition of moderate and mild degree (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E44 – Protein-calorie malnutrition of moderate and mild degree
What it is
E44 identifies protein-calorie malnutrition that is mild or moderate, meaning the patient has inadequate intake or absorption of protein and calories. Use it when documentation supports undernutrition but not severe malnutrition.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include weight loss, reduced muscle or fat stores, poor dietary intake, and weakness, with severity described as mild or moderate.
When to use this code
Use E44 when the provider documents mild or moderate protein-calorie malnutrition, or an equivalent term such as undernutrition with this severity. It may also fit when the note clearly links poor intake, chronic illness, or malabsorption to nonsevere malnutrition. Check documentation if severity is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use E44 for severe malnutrition, which requires a different code. Also avoid it when the record only states weight loss, poor appetite, or nutritional risk without a documented diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code the documented severity exactly; if the note does not specify mild or moderate, query the provider before assigning E44.