What is the ICD-10 Code for Obesity? Exploring its Meaning, BMI Criteria, and Behavioral Recommendations

Perex: Obesity has become a big problem in recent times and it is essential to address the same with due diligence. 

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a globally used medical classification. It is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). The ICD was originally devised as a health care classification system, providing a system of diagnostic codes for classifying diseases. Currently, the ICD is published by the WHO and is leveraged worldwide for reimbursement systems, automated decision support in healthcare, morbidity and mortality statistics, and more. The ICD is revised periodically and currently in its 11th revision. In this blog, we will delve into the obesity ICD 10 code and delve further into the topic.

What is the Obesity ICD 10 Code?

The ICD 10 CM code for obesity is E66.9. This code is used for obesity that is unspecified and can be leveraged for reimbursement purposes. Other ICD 10 codes obesity include - 

• E66.0 - Obesity due to excess calories
• E66.01 - Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories
• E66.1 - Drug-induced obesity
• E66.2 - Severe obesity with alveolar hypoventilation
• E66.3 Overweight
• E66.8 Other types of obesity

Now that we know the obesity ICD 10 codes, let us delve into the BMI of a person with morbid obesity.

What is the BMI of a Person with Severe or Morbid Obesity (E66.9)?

BMI or Body Mass Index is a tool in the healthcare world that is used to estimate the amount of body fat by using the height and weight measurements of an individual. The calculation of BMI is done using a simple formula with a person’s weight (in pounds of kgs) and height (in inches or meters). BMI is used to estimate the body fat of a person and gauge where they are underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. The BMI of a person with obesity of E66.9 is usually between 39.0 to 39.39. 

Implications of Morbid Obesity (E66.9) 

Morbid obesity (also known as Class III obesity) or ICD Code E66.9 is a complex chronic disease wherein the BMI of a person is 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher, and is experiencing obesity-related health concerns. 

Morbid obesity has serious health implications and can be very individualized. For instance, class II obesity can contribute to the development of Type 2 Diabetes and heart diseases. Furthermore, carrying so much extra fat has other consequences, such as stroke, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers, like breast, endometrial, and colon. All these health conditions culminate in premature death and substantial disability.

How to Treat Morbid Obesity? 

Treatment for class III obesity or morbid obesity is highly individualized and every patient needs a treatment plan that is specific to their situation goals and objectives. Treating morbid obesity is a multi-pronged strategy that includes -

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Surgical procedures
• Behavioral and psychological therapy

How Common is Morbid Obesity in the USA?

In recent times, morbid obesity has witnessed a rapid increase in the USA. Age-adjusted morbid obesity has risen from 5.7 percent to 9.2 percent between 2017 to 2018. In the USA, 9 percent of adults aged 20 to 39 had morbid obesity, with variations across racial groups. The highest is for non-Hispanic Black females at 57 percent, followed by Hispanic females at 44 percent, for non-Hispanic White females at 40 percent.

Conclusion

So, there we have it, the obesity ICD 10 code. 

Summary

The obesity ICD 10 code is E66.9. There are several sub-variations to the same.