ICD-10 Coding for Bulimia Nervosa(F50.21, F50.22, F50.23, F50.24, F50.25)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bulimia Nervosa. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bulimia Nervosa
F50.20-F50.25Primary Range
ICD-10 codes for Bulimia Nervosa with severity and remission specifiers
This range includes the primary codes for bulimia nervosa, specifying severity and remission status.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F50.21 | Bulimia nervosa, mild | Use when the patient has 1-3 binge/purge episodes weekly without significant complications. |
|
| F50.22 | Bulimia nervosa, moderate | Use when the patient has 4-7 binge/purge episodes weekly with or without mild complications. |
|
| F50.23 | Bulimia nervosa, severe | Use when the patient has 8-13 binge/purge episodes weekly with significant complications. |
|
| F50.24 | Bulimia nervosa, extreme | Use when the patient has 14 or more binge/purge episodes weekly with life-threatening complications. |
|
| F50.25 | Bulimia nervosa, in remission | Use when the patient has been in remission with no episodes for at least 3 months. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for bulimia
Essential facts and insights about Bulimia Nervosa
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bulimia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- 1-3 binge/purge episodes per week
Applicable To
- 1-3 binge/purge episodes weekly
Excludes
- Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type (F50.02)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- 1-3 binge/purge episodes per week
- No significant electrolyte abnormalities
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure documentation specifies the frequency of episodes to avoid undercoding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the frequency of binge/purge episodes clearly.
F50.22 - Bulimia nervosa, moderate
Use when the patient has 4-7 binge/purge episodes weekly with or without mild complications.
Applicable To
- 4-7 binge/purge episodes weekly
Excludes
- Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type (F50.02)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- 4-7 binge/purge episodes per week
- Possible electrolyte abnormalities like hypokalemia
Coding Notes
Document any electrolyte imbalances clearly.
F50.23 - Bulimia nervosa, severe
Use when the patient has 8-13 binge/purge episodes weekly with significant complications.
Applicable To
- 8-13 binge/purge episodes weekly
Excludes
- Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type (F50.02)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- 8-13 binge/purge episodes per week
- Significant complications such as syncope or severe electrolyte imbalance
Coding Notes
Document all severe complications and frequency of episodes.
F50.24 - Bulimia nervosa, extreme
Use when the patient has 14 or more binge/purge episodes weekly with life-threatening complications.
Applicable To
- 14+ binge/purge episodes weekly
Excludes
- Anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type (F50.02)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- 14+ binge/purge episodes per week
- Life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmia
Coding Notes
Document all life-threatening complications and frequency of episodes.
F50.25 - Bulimia nervosa, in remission
Use when the patient has been in remission with no episodes for at least 3 months.
Applicable To
- Partial or full remission
Excludes
- Active bulimia nervosa (F50.20-F50.24)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- No binge/purge episodes for at least 3 months
- Maintained normal BMI
Coding Notes
Document the duration of remission and any ongoing treatment.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bulimia Nervosa to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F50.21.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates for documentation, Include specific details on frequency and complications
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if outdated codes are used., Compliance: Non-compliance with updated ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data reporting and tracking.
Mitigation Strategy
Use the new specific codes F50.20-F50.25 based on severity and remission status.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper billing., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Misclassification of eating disorders.
Mitigation Strategy
Check BMI; if ≤18.5, consider anorexia codes.
Impact
Failure to document severity can lead to incorrect coding and audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific frequency of episodes and any complications.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Bulimia Nervosa, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bulimia Nervosa
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bulimia Nervosa. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Psychiatry Progress Note for Bulimia Nervosa
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Frequency of binge/purge episodes
- BMI and lab results
- Complications and treatment response
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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