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ICD-10 Coding for Eating Disorder(F50.01, F50.02)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Eating Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaBinge Eating Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Eating Disorder

F50.0-F50.9Primary Range

Eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder

This range includes the primary codes for diagnosing various eating disorders.

Problems related to housing and economic circumstances

These codes are used to document socioeconomic factors affecting access to treatment.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F50.01Anorexia nervosa, restricting typeUse when the patient exhibits restricting behaviors without binge/purge episodes.
  • BMI ≤18.5
  • Fear of weight gain
  • Body image disturbance
F50.02Anorexia nervosa, binge/purge typeUse when the patient exhibits binge/purge behaviors.
  • Binge/purge episodes ≥1x/week
  • Misuse of laxatives/diuretics

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 anorexia nervosa

Essential facts and insights about Eating Disorder

The ICD-10 code for anorexia nervosa, restricting type is F50.01, and for binge/purge type is F50.02.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for eating disorder

Anorexia nervosa, restricting type
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented caloric restriction and low BMI.

Applicable To

  • Restricting caloric intake
  • BMI ≤18.5

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BMI ≤18.5
  • Fear of weight gain
  • Body image disturbance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as bulimia if purging is not present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific behaviors and BMI.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

BMI 16.0–16.9

Z68.1
Use to document BMI when it is relevant to the diagnosis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Anorexia nervosa, binge/purge type

F50.02
Presence of binge/purge episodes.

Anorexia nervosa, restricting type

F50.01
Absence of binge/purge episodes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Eating Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F50.01.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of nutritional status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include BMI in documentation, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F50.0- codes when fear of weight gain is documented.

Impact

Lack of BMI documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure BMI is documented in every patient encounter.

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 Eating Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Eating Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Eating Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Outpatient progress note for anorexia nervosa

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Caloric intake
  • Binge/purge frequency
  • Body image perception

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Caloric intake: 800 kcal/day. **Objective**: BMI: 16.2. **Assessment**: F50.01-: Restricting type, moderate. **Plan**: Weekly weights.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anorexia, needs nutrition.
Good Documentation Example
F50.011 (moderate restricting-type AN): BMI 16.8, restricts to 900 kcal/day, K+ 3.2. Plan: Monitor ECG for prolonged QTc.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and a clear plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Eating Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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