Eating disorder ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What are ICD 10 Codes?

ICD 10 refers to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. This coding system is commonly used in the healthcare industry to group diagnoses, procedures, and symptoms.

What is the ICD 10 Code for Eating Disorder?

The ICD-10 code for eating disorder depends on the specific type of eating disorder. Here are the ICD-10 codes for the common types of eating disorders:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: The ICD-10 code for anorexia nervosa is F50.0.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: The ICD-10 code for bulimia nervosa is F50.2.
  • Binge Eating Disorder: The ICD-10 code for binge eating disorder is F50.8.
  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): The ICD-10 code for ARFID is F50.8.
  • Other Specified Feeding or eating disorders (OSFED): The ICD-10 code for OSFED is F50.9.
  • Unspecified Feeding or eating disorders: The ICD-10 code for unspecified feeding or eating disorders is also F50.9.

Primary Eating Disorder ICD 10 Code: F50.9

Eating Disorder ICD Code F50.9 lookup

Below you will find a table of the ICD 10 eating disorder codes. All of these fall under F.50.9, “eating disorder.”

eating disorder ICD code

Types of Eating Disorder Coded Under F50.9

Under the ICD-10 code F50.9, "Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder," various types of eating disorders are categorized. Keep in mind that in some cases, the specific eating disorder may not fall or fit into any of the defined categories.

In this case, professionals use the ICD-10 code F50.9, which is the code for unspecified feeding or eating disorders. They use this code when there is insufficient information to specify the exact eating disorder.

Here are some common types of eating disorders that may fall under this code:

  • Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. The ICD-10 code for anorexia nervosa is F50.0. This code captures the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, including the individual's refusal to maintain a normal weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and significant disturbance in body image.
  • Subthreshold Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. The ICD-10 code for bulimia nervosa is F50.2. This code represents the core features of bulimia nervosa, including recurrent episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors.
  • Night Eating Syndrome: The healthcare community categorizes night eating syndrome as consuming a significant portion of daily food intake during the evening and nighttime. Individuals with this disorder often wake up during the night to eat and have a diminished appetite in the morning. They may also experience feelings of guilt or shame associated with their nighttime eating patterns.
  • Purging Disorder: Purging disorder involves recurrent episodes of self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications without the presence of binge eating. Individuals with this disorder may use purging behaviors as a means to control weight or shape.
  • Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder stands for recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food within a short period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control and distress. Unlike bulimia nervosa, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in regular compensatory behaviors. The ICD-10 code for binge eating disorder is F50.8. This code captures the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder, including recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors.
  • Other Specified Feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) Presentations: Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) is a category used in the ICD-10 to capture eating disorder presentations that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder but still cause significant distress or impairment. OSFED includes subtypes such as atypical anorexia nervosa, purging disorder, and night eating syndrome. The ICD-10 code for OSFED is F50.9. This code is for when the specific type of eating disorder presentation falls under the OSFED category.
  • ICD-10 Codes for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is for the avoidance or restriction of food intake, resulting in significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired psychosocial functioning. ARFID differs from anorexia nervosa in that the restriction is not driven by body image concerns or fear of weight gain. The ICD-10 code for ARFID is F50.8, which is the same code used for other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).

Eating Disorders Excluded from ICD-10 F50.9

The following eating disorders are excluded from ICD-10 F50.9:

  • Anorexia NOS (R63.0)
  • Feeding problems of a newborn (P92)
  • Polyphagia (R63.2)
  • Feeding difficulties (R63.3)
  • Feeding disorder in infancy or childhood (F98.2)

Secondary and Metastatic Eating Disorder ICD 10 code: F50.9

Secondary or metastatic Eating Disorder ICD-10 code F50.9 Lookup

The concept of "secondary and metastatic eating disorder" is not a recognized classification within the ICD-10 coding system. Eating disorders are primarily classified based on specific diagnostic criteria, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED).

ICD-10 focuses on capturing the primary eating disorder diagnoses rather than secondary or metastatic manifestations. The term "secondary" typically refers to a condition that arises as a result of or is secondary to another underlying medical or psychological disorder. Similarly, "metastatic" is a term used to describe the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

If there are complications or comorbidities related to eating disorders, such as medical or psychiatric conditions resulting from the eating disorder, professionals would typically code them separately using relevant ICD-10 codes. For example, if an individual with an eating disorder develops depression, the appropriate ICD-10 code for depression would capture that comorbidity.

However, there are some ICD 10 codes for the various complications that can arise from eating disorders. These include:

  • Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a significant concern in eating disorders, particularly in anorexia nervosa. The ICD-10 code for malnutrition is E44. This code captures the nutritional deficiencies and consequences resulting from inadequate food intake.
  • Electrolyte Imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, can occur in individuals with eating disorders. The ICD-10 codes for electrolyte imbalances vary depending on the specific electrolyte affected. For example, the code for hypokalemia is E87.6.
  • Osteoporosis and Bone Disorders: Eating disorders can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. The ICD-10 code for osteoporosis is M81.0. This code is to indicate the presence of osteoporosis resulting from an eating disorder.
  • Gastrointestinal Complications: Individuals with eating disorders may experience various gastrointestinal complications, such as gastric dilation, constipation, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The ICD-10 codes for these complications vary depending on the specific diagnosis. For instance, the code for GERD is K21.9.
  • Psychological and Behavioral Disorders: Eating disorders often co-occur with other psychological and behavioral disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The ICD-10 codes for these conditions fall under the respective categories. For example, the code for major depressive disorder is F32, and the code for generalized anxiety disorder is F41.1.

Conclusion

The ICD-10 coding system provides a standardized framework for the classification and documentation of eating disorders and their associated complications. These codes enable healthcare professionals to accurately identify and track different types of eating disorders, facilitating effective treatment and research efforts.

By using the specific ICD-10 codes outlined for each eating disorder and its complications, healthcare providers can ensure proper coding, leading to better understanding, management, and outcomes for individuals with eating disorders.