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ICD-10 Coding for Feeding Difficulty(R63.31, R63.32, P92.5)

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

Also known as:

Pediatric Feeding DisorderFeeding Problem

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Feeding Difficulty

R63.3Primary Range

Feeding difficulties

This range includes codes for feeding difficulties in patients older than 28 days.

Feeding problems of newborn

This range is used for feeding difficulties in newborns up to 28 days old.

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 when feeding difficulties are acute and last less than 3 months.
  • Documented duration less than 3 months
  • Acute weight loss or dehydration
R63.32Chronic pediatric feeding disorderUse for feeding difficulties persisting more than 3 months.
  • Failure to thrive with growth chart below 3rd percentile
  • Chronicity of more than 3 months
P92.5Neonatal difficulty in feeding at breastUse for breastfeeding difficulties in newborns up to 28 days old.
  • Lactation consultant notes documenting ineffective latch
  • Weight loss greater than 7%

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 difficulty

Essential facts and insights about Feeding Difficulty

The ICD-10 code for feeding difficulty is R63.31 for acute cases, R63.32 for chronic cases, and P92.5 for neonatal difficulties.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for feeding difficulty

Acute pediatric feeding disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Feeding difficulty lasting less than 3 months

Applicable To

  • Acute feeding difficulties in children

Excludes

  • F50.- (Eating disorders)
  • P92.- (Feeding problems of newborn)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented duration less than 3 months
  • Acute weight loss or dehydration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using non-billable R63.3 instead of specific R63.31

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Aspiration pneumonia

J69.0
Use if aspiration pneumonia is present due to feeding difficulties.

Dysphagia, unspecified

R13.10
Use if dysphagia is present alongside feeding difficulties.

Differential Codes

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

Nonorganic feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood

F98.2
Use F98.2 for behavioral feeding issues without a medical cause.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues due to lack of specificity., Financial: Possible claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and duration., Use specific ICD-10 codes based on clinical findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to non-billable code usage., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies duration and severity to choose the correct code.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes like R63.30 can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage detailed documentation to support specific code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Feeding Difficulty

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

Chronic feeding difficulty in a 4-month-old

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Duration of feeding difficulty
  • Associated conditions
  • Diagnostic tests

Example Documentation

4-month-old with 12-week history of postprandial vomiting, arching, and refusal of textured foods. Diagnoses: Chronic pediatric feeding disorder (R63.32), GERD (K21.9) confirmed by pH probe study, Mild protein-calorie malnutrition (E44.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Poor feeding
Good Documentation Example
Persistent food refusal >1 month with anticipatory gagging
Explanation
The good example provides specific duration and symptoms, supporting R63.32.

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

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