MEAT Criteria Checker
For any HCC-mapped diagnosis, see exactly what the medical record must contain to support the code for risk adjustment. Common documentation gaps included.
FY2027 update in progress. The FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set (effective 10/01/2026) is still loading, so a code may be missing or a deleted code may still show. Confirm against official CMS files before billing.
Only HCC-mapped codes have MEAT requirements. Non-HCC codes will be flagged accordingly.
Looking up MEAT criteria…
Code not found.
Verify the code format (e.g. E11.65) and try again.
Why no MEAT criteria?
MEAT documentation requirements apply only to diagnoses mapped to a CMS-HCC model (v24 or v28). This code is not risk-adjusted, so it does not need MEAT documentation to support a RAF score. For codes that do map to an HCC, every element of MEAT must appear somewhere in the medical record at least once per plan year.
Enter a code to see MEAT criteria
Get condition-specific documentation requirements for Medicare Advantage risk adjustment, plus common documentation gaps coders and CDI specialists find in the chart.
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📌 Documentation Tips
⚠️ Common Documentation Gaps
These are the most frequent reasons HCC codes are rejected on RADV audit or not captured at all:
MEAT framework is a general CDI/coding education tool. Documentation requirements are derived from CMS Risk Adjustment documentation guidance and general medical coding education. Always verify against current CMS guidelines and AHA Coding Clinic.