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ICD-10 Coding for Feeding Difficulties(R63.31, R63.32)

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

Also known as:

Pediatric Feeding DisorderPFD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Feeding Difficulties

R63.3-R63.32Primary Range

Feeding difficulties and pediatric feeding disorder

This range includes codes for acute and chronic pediatric feeding disorders, which are primary for feeding difficulties.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

This code is used for feeding disorders without a medical etiology, differentiating it from PFD.

Neonatal feeding problems

Used for feeding issues in newborns, not applicable for older children with PFD.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R63.31Acute pediatric feeding disorderUse for feeding difficulties lasting less than 3 months with documented deficits in one or more domains.
  • Duration less than 3 months
  • ICFQ score ≥4
  • FOIS-P ≤4
R63.32Chronic pediatric feeding disorderUse for feeding difficulties lasting 3 months or more with documented deficits in one or more domains.
  • Duration 3 months or more
  • ICFQ score ≥4
  • FOIS-P ≤4

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 feeding difficulties

Essential facts and insights about Feeding Difficulties

The ICD-10 codes for feeding difficulties are R63.31 for acute and R63.32 for chronic pediatric feeding disorder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for feeding difficulties

Acute pediatric feeding disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Feeding difficulties present for less than 3 months

Applicable To

  • Acute feeding difficulties in children

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Duration less than 3 months
  • ICFQ score ≥4
  • FOIS-P ≤4

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as chronic if duration is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure duration is documented to differentiate between acute and chronic.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphagia

R13.1-
Use when dysphagia is confirmed by instrumental assessment.

Differential Codes

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

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

F50.82
Use F50.82 when there is no medical etiology and the disorder is psychological.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Feeding Difficulties to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R63.31.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for duration to use R63.31 or R63.32 appropriately.

Impact

Failure to document duration can lead to incorrect coding of acute vs. chronic PFD.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for duration documentation.

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 Feeding Difficulties, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Feeding Difficulties

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

Chronic PFD in a toddler

Specialty: Speech-Language Pathology

Required Elements

  • Feeding skill assessment
  • Medical history
  • Nutritional status
  • Psychosocial factors

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child has trouble eating.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic PFD (R63.32): 6-month history of texture refusal (FOIS-P Level 3), GERD (K21.9), and BMI <3rd percentile (E45). ICFQ Score: 7/10.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on duration, feeding skill level, medical conditions, and nutritional status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Feeding Difficulties? Ask your questions below.

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