ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for malabsorption
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Malabsorption”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding malabsorption
The ICD-10-CM code for malabsorption is K90.9 (Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified). The official index lists 19 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K90.9.
Within K90, choose K90.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: celiac disease (K90.0), tropical sprue (K90.1), blind loop syndrome, not elsewhere classified (K90.2), pancreatic steatorrhea (K90.3), other malabsorption due to intolerance (K90.4) and other intestinal malabsorption (K90.8).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 391 (Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis and Miscellaneous Digestive Disorders with MCC, relative weight 1.2392) and DRG 392 (Esophagitis, Gastroenteritis and Miscellaneous Digestive Disorders without MCC, relative weight 0.7645), in MDC 06 (Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific malabsorption codes (official index)
- calcium K90.89 — Other intestinal malabsorption
- carbohydrate K90.49 — Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified
- disaccharide E73.9 — Lactose intolerance, unspecified
- fat K90.49 — Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified
- galactose E74.20 — Disorders of galactose metabolism, unspecified
- glucose (-galactose) E74.39 — Other disorders of intestinal carbohydrate absorption
- intestinal K90.9 — Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified
- specified NEC K90.89 — Other intestinal malabsorption
- isomaltose E74.31 — Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency
- lactose E73.9 — Lactose intolerance, unspecified
- methionine E72.19 — Other disorders of sulfur-bearing amino-acid metabolism
- monosaccharide E74.39 — Other disorders of intestinal carbohydrate absorption
- postgastrectomy K91.2 — Postsurgical malabsorption, not elsewhere classified
- postsurgical K91.2 — Postsurgical malabsorption, not elsewhere classified
- protein K90.49 — Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified
- starch K90.49 — Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified
- sucrose E74.39 — Other disorders of intestinal carbohydrate absorption
- syndrome K90.9 — Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified
- postsurgical K91.2 — Postsurgical malabsorption, not elsewhere classified
Common questions about malabsorption ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for malabsorption?
- K90.9 — Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K90.89, K90.49, E73.9, K90.49 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for calcium malabsorption?
- K90.89 — Other intestinal malabsorption.
What is the ICD-10 code for carbohydrate malabsorption?
- K90.49 — Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for disaccharide malabsorption?
- E73.9 — Lactose intolerance, unspecified.
What is the ICD-10 code for fat malabsorption?
- K90.49 — Malabsorption due to intolerance, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for galactose malabsorption?
- E74.20 — Disorders of galactose metabolism, unspecified.
What is the ICD-10 code for glucose malabsorption?
- E74.39 — Other disorders of intestinal carbohydrate absorption.
Is K90.9 billable?
- Yes. K90.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K90.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K90.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K90.9 a CC or MCC?
- K90.9 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.