What is the ICD-10 code for failure to thrive in children?

The ICD-10 code for failure to thrive in children under 5 years is R62.51, and for children aged 5-17 years, it is R62.52.

How should failure to thrive be documented?

Document growth chart percentiles, feeding history, and any underlying conditions. Ensure growth metrics are plotted against WHO/CDC standards.

What are the coding rules for failure to thrive?

Code underlying conditions first, such as malnutrition (E43), followed by failure to thrive (R62.51 or R62.52) based on age.

ICD-10 Coding for Failure to Thrive(R62.51, E44.0, K21.9)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for failure to thrive, including documentation requirements, code relationships, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

FTTGrowth FailureWeight Faltering

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Failure to Thrive

R00-R99Primary Range

Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
R62.51	Failure to thrive (child)	Use for children under 5 years with documented growth failure without a specific underlying cause.	Weight below 5th percentile Documented feeding issues
R62.52	Failure to thrive (older child)	Use for children aged 5-17 years with documented growth failure.	Growth chart showing decline in weight percentile Documented caloric intake below recommended levels
R62.7	Adult failure to thrive	Use for adults with documented significant weight loss and functional decline.	BMI <18.5 Significant weight loss over a short period

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Failure to thrive (child)

R62.51Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutritionE43

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitisK21.9

Moderate protein-calorie malnutritionE44.0

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Failure to Thrive.

Failure to document growth percentiles

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of growth trends., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation

Ensure growth charts are updated at each visit., Include percentile data in clinical notes.

Using unspecified codes when age is known

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation

Use R62.51 or R62.52 based on the patient's age.

Sequencing FTT before malnutrition

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment., Compliance: Violates coding sequencing rules., Data Quality: Misrepresents clinical picture.

Mitigation

Code malnutrition (E43) before FTT (R62.51).

Incorrect Code Sequencing

Impact

Failure to sequence underlying conditions before FTT.

Mitigation

Regular training on ICD-10 sequencing rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with R62.51.

Primary Code

R62.51

Failure to thrive (child)

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ICD-10 codes9

Coding risks4

FAQs3

ICD-10 Coding for Failure to Thrive(R62.51, E44.0, K21.9)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for failure to thrive in children?

How should failure to thrive be documented?

What are the coding rules for failure to thrive?

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