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ICD-10 Coding for Picky Eater(R63.39, R63.31, R63.32)

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

Also known as:

Selective EatingFussy Eating

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Picky Eater

R63.3Primary Range

Feeding difficulties

This range includes codes for various feeding difficulties, including picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders.

Other eating disorders

This range includes Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which must be differentiated from picky eating.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R63.39Other feeding difficultiesUse for patients with selective eating habits without significant nutritional or medical impact.
  • Normal growth curves
  • No micronutrient deficiencies
R63.31Pediatric Feeding Disorder, acuteUse when acute feeding difficulties with dysfunction are present.
  • Dysfunction in one or more domains
  • Duration less than 3 months
R63.32Pediatric Feeding Disorder, chronicUse when chronic feeding difficulties with dysfunction are present.
  • Dysfunction in one or more domains
  • Duration 3 months or more

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 picky eater

Essential facts and insights about Picky Eater

The ICD-10 code for a picky eater is R63.39, used for selective eating without significant nutritional or medical impact.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for picky eater

Other feeding difficulties
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Selective eating without nutritional impact

documentation Criteria

  • Documented normal growth and no micronutrient deficiencies

Applicable To

  • Picky eater

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal growth curves
  • No micronutrient deficiencies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if nutritional impact is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of significant nutritional or medical impact.

Ancillary Codes

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

Malnutrition

E40-E46
Use to specify malnutrition if present.

Differential Codes

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

Pediatric Feeding Disorder, acute

R63.31
Use when dysfunction in one or more domains is present for less than 3 months.

Pediatric Feeding Disorder, chronic

R63.32
Use when dysfunction in one or more domains is present for 3 months or more.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Picky Eater to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R63.39.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit flags for incomplete documentation., Financial: Incorrect coding may affect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Include specific duration in clinical notes, Use standardized templates for feeding assessments

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for dysfunction and duration criteria to determine correct PFD code.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of feeding dysfunction can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and ensure all domains are assessed.

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

Documentation Templates for Picky Eater

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

Pediatric Feeding Assessment

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Duration of feeding issues
  • Nutritional impact
  • Medical red flags
  • Feeding skills
  • Psychosocial factors

Example Documentation

2-month history of liquid-only intake, 8% weight loss. Requires upright positioning to manage thin liquids. Family reports daily mealtime tantrums lasting 30+ minutes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child is a picky eater.
Good Documentation Example
Persistent refusal of >3 food textures x4 months, requiring oral supplements to meet 75% daily calories. No aspiration observed. BMI 5th percentile.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on duration, nutritional impact, and growth metrics.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Picky Eater? Ask your questions below.

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