Wiki BMI

[gcohen]

If BMI is within normal range, do you need to add the ICD 10 to the E/M?

 

[hbarney1]

I think if they ever mention the BMI on the report where you code you need to code it.

 

[gcohen]

it's hard to pinpoint this

 

[thomas7331]

The BMI should be coded if: 1) it is relevant as affecting treatment at the encounter per the provider's documentation; or 2) if another diagnosis (e.g. obesity) coded on the encounter contains the instruction 'Use additional code to identify body mass index (BMI), if known'. Otherwise, it would not be necessary, or correct coding, to code the BMI on every encounter unless your practice has an internal guideline and specifically wants this reported for all patients.

 

[gcohen]

Thank you for the information.

 

[Tami_F]

Keep in mind that BMI for pediatric patients needs to be documented as a percentile to be coded correctly. Pediatric BMI codes Z68.51-4 are for use in patients from 2-20 years of age.

Per ICD-10-CM Guidelines:

Z68 Body mass index (BMI)
BMI codes should only be assigned when the associated diagnosis (such as overweight or obesity) meets the definition of a reportable diagnosis (see Section III, Reporting Additional Diagnoses). Do not assign BMI codes during pregnancy. See Section I.B.14 for BMI documentation by clinicians other than the patient’s provider.