With all the technological advances, a lot of paperwork that was once filled out manually is now completed online. Most medical offices request that patients have access to an online portal where they can fill out new patient forms and access information such as test results and health records.
We occasionally come across medical jargon or coding that we may not understand when reading the data in our medical records. We may not understand some of this language, yet it all has meaning. This post will briefly explain what some of these codes refer to so that you can more easily understand your medical information.
{{cta_button}}
What Is An ICD-10 Code?
The International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-10-CM, is a set of universally recognized diagnostic codes that is updated regularly by the National Center for Health Statistics. These codes were developed to describe a disease or medical condition a person is experiencing with a high level of specificity when describing different categories of morbidity.
This coding method was implemented in 2015 to adhere to HIPAA regulations. These codes must be used by all covered entities, including payers, clearinghouses, and healthcare professionals.
Why Were ICD-10 Codes For Morbid Obesity And Other Conditions Developed?
The ICD-10 Coding System was developed to offer terminology and code names that would be compatible with standard clinical practice. The original ICD-9-CM coding system had 13,000 codes; however, more information regarding the caliber of care can be provided using one of the over 68,000 newer ICD-10 codes. A greater level of detailed information can be conveyed using this coding system, which can be utilized to better explain problems and monitor treatment results.
Additionally, information and detail can be anonymously provided by these codes and used with clinical algorithms to aid in upcoming decision-making and research.
ICD-10 Codes For Obesity
You can find ICD-10 obesity codes and their descriptions using the ICD-10 database lookup. There are different codes used for children from birth to age 19 and for adults over the age of 20.
The main code to categorize overweight and obese individuals is
- E66 Overweight and obesity
Then, to further describe the patient's condition, the degree of obesity is identified by adding another numeric code to the E66, as detailed below:
- E66 Overweight and obesity
Additionally, a Z68 code is added to indicate the patient's body mass index. For example, the code E66.01.Z68.42 indicates that this patient is severely obese due to excess calories and has a BMI in the range of 45 to 49.9. The entire list of body mass index codes can be found on the ICD data website.
Example:
- Z68 Body mass index [BMI]
{{cta_small}}
What Is Obesity?
Now that you understand the coding for the different levels of obesity, let’s review the definition of obesity and then what can be done to treat this condition.
Obesity is a condition characterized by a body weight that is far beyond the optimum or ideal weight due to the storage of extra body fat. The patient’s age, gender, genetics, and cultural background could all influence these standards. A body mass index of greater than 30 is regarded as obese, while a body mass index of more than 40 is regarded as severely obese (morbid obesity).
Individuals who are classified using the ICD 10 code for morbid obesity meet the following criteria:
- They weigh more than 100 pounds more than what the BMI considers to be "healthy weight" for their height and gender;
- Their body mass index is 40 or higher;
- They have a BMI of 35 or higher and have one or more major health problems as a result of their weight. (severe sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, excessive blood pressure, etc.)
How Common Is Obesity In the United States?
According to the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination data (NHANES), at that time, 31% of adults were categorized as overweight (1 in 3 adults). Almost 44% of adults were considered obese, and 10% of American adults were classified as morbidly obese.
The obesity epidemic has hit both adults and children, and more than 16% of children from ages 2 to 19 were classified as overweight, 19% were considered obese, and over 6% fell into the morbidly obese category.
The statistics related to obesity have grown each year, so the numbers for 2022 are actually higher.
Is There An Effective Treatment For Obesity That Does Not Involve Surgery?
Yes, here at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we offer a comprehensive OnTrack lifestyle coaching program and non-surgical weight loss procedures in NYC. Treatments that will be effective for each patient will depend on a number of factors because of the complexities of obesity. A combination of different strategies may be the most effective treatment and may include:
- Various therapies, including behavioral and emotional approaches;
- Prescription weight loss medications;
- Substantial modifications in lifestyle;
- Support Groups and Nutritional Education;
- A Non-surgical weight-loss treatment.
Changes in lifestyle, such as eating healthily, exercising frequently, getting adequate sleep, and developing stress management skills, can support weight loss.
Prescription weight loss injections can be a beneficial tool for patients who wish to lose weight. Medication for weight loss can improve metabolism and reduce hunger. For maximum effectiveness, they can be used in combination with a non-surgical weight loss procedure.
Therapy can frequently help patients pinpoint the underlying problems impeding their attempts to lose weight. A strategy can be developed to deal with each one once they have been recognized.
For some people who suffer from morbid obesity, bariatric surgery may be a possibility. A consultation with a qualified doctor who specializes in obesity management can help determine whether a patient is a candidate for surgery and the most effective procedure.
For many people who are severely obese, non-surgical weight loss procedures can be a great option. According to research, those with higher BMIs have very little chance of reducing weight on their own without some sort of medical help.
Many patients who might not typically be candidates for surgery or who might not want to have surgery can benefit from non-surgical weight loss techniques. Those with lower BMIs may want assistance with weight loss but are ineligible for bariatric surgery, while patients with severe morbid obesity may not be eligible owing to poor health. For people who want to reduce weight without surgery, the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or the non-surgical Orbera weight loss balloon may be ideal options.
{{cta_button}}
The Orbera Weight Loss Balloon
The Orbera Gastric Balloon is a medical weight loss device that temporarily reduces the patient's stomach's capacity to prevent them from consuming too much food in one sitting. Additionally, it prolongs the patient's feeling of fullness, which helps to reduce appetite.
An endoscope is put down the patient's throat, and it is used to complete the entire procedure. A tiny camera and a light on the endoscope enable the surgeon to be more precise when they insert the balloon in the desired spot.
The Orbera balloon is intended to be used as part of a 12-month, closely monitored program that also offers comprehensive support from the appropriate medical professionals, including nutritional counseling, and fitness coaching.
The patient learns portion control and how to lead a healthy lifestyle that supports weight loss while the balloon is in place for six months. The patient follows the monitored program for an extra six months after the balloon is removed. Many individuals have reported losing 50 pounds or more. Additionally, some individuals have experienced losing more than 100 pounds.
Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-invasive weight loss method that can outperform gastric sleeve surgery in weight loss results. Also, ESG can be reversed unlike gastric sleeve surgery because no part of the patient's stomach is permanently removed.
There are no incisions or hospital stays necessary because this endoscopic procedure is carried out from the inside. The surgeon reshapes the patient's stomach during the ESG surgery and secures it in the new shape with around a dozen carefully placed stitches. The individual's reduced stomach capacity helps them feel fuller for longer and prevents them from eating too much at once. Since ESG is an outpatient procedure, patients can go home on the same day. Suture Sculpt ESG offers a quick recovery and most patients are back to their normal routines in about a week.
Obesity is a complicated, serious illness that can result in premature mortality. Fortunately, it is treatable with non-surgical weight-loss treatment, prescription weight loss injections, continued professional support, or a combination of these methods. Numerous patients with obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, have had their conditions disappear or go into remission as a result of significant weight loss.
Contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center right away if you want to lose weight, whether it's a moderate quantity or you have serious obesity (class III obesity)We are here to give you the support you need to achieve your weight loss objectives and improve your health.
Take back control of your health and quality of life! Make an appointment with one of our caring staff members at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center right away to learn more about how we can develop a personalized weight loss plan and offer comprehensive assistance to help you reach your weight loss objectives. Call us today to set up a consultation.
{{cta_button}}
