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ICD-10 Coding for Picky Eating(R63.39, F50.82)

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

Also known as:

Selective EatingFood Selectivity

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Picky Eating

R63.30-R63.39Primary Range

Feeding difficulties

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

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is a differential diagnosis for picky eating when nutritional or functional impairment is present.

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 when a child exhibits picky eating behaviors without nutritional or medical consequences.
  • Normal growth parameters
  • No nutritional deficiencies
  • Absence of medical or skill dysfunction
F50.82Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake DisorderUse when picky eating leads to nutritional deficiencies or psychosocial impairment.
  • Weight loss or nutritional deficiency
  • Psychosocial impairment

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 eating

Essential facts and insights about Picky Eating

The ICD-10 code for picky eating is R63.39, used for feeding difficulties without nutritional impact.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for picky eating

Other feeding difficulties
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Child consumes a limited variety of foods but maintains normal growth and nutrition.

documentation Criteria

  • Document absence of medical or nutritional dysfunction.

Applicable To

  • Picky eater

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal growth parameters
  • No nutritional deficiencies
  • Absence of medical or skill dysfunction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as ARFID or PFD
  • Inadequate documentation of normal growth

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly differentiates from ARFID and PFD.

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 if there is significant weight loss or nutritional deficiency due to food intake restriction.

Other feeding difficulties

R63.39
Use R63.39 if picky eating does not result in nutritional or functional impairment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of feeding disorder severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly update growth charts., Include detailed dietary assessments.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on feeding difficulties prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R63.39 for cases specifically identified as picky eating.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of picky eating behaviors and growth metrics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of dietary habits and growth.

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

Documentation Templates for Picky Eating

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

Picky Eating without Nutritional Impact

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Growth chart analysis
  • Dietary intake assessment
  • Behavioral observations

Example Documentation

Child presents with selective eating habits, consuming 20+ foods. Growth parameters are within normal limits. No nutritional deficiencies noted.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child is a picky eater.
Good Documentation Example
Child consumes 15 foods, refuses vegetables, BMI 75th percentile.
Explanation
The good example provides specific dietary habits and growth metrics.

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

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