Primary Care Coding Alert

Learn how to choose between codes for different manifestations and unusual conditions.

Chances are, whenever you are called on to code for an eating disorder, you automatically think of choosing either a code for anorexia or bulimia. But how do you narrow your code choices down to the correct one for either condition? And what if your provider documents OSFED, ARFID, or pica? How do you pick out the most specific codes for those conditions?

To help you achieve precision in your eating disorder diagnosis coding, here are five questions. Answer them correctly, and you’ll be able to zero in on the correct codes any time your provider documents such conditions.

Question 1: ICD-10 lists both a subcategory and a specific code for anorexia. What are they, and under what circumstances would you use each one?

Question 2: ICD-10 lists three different codes for binging and purging conditions. What are the codes, and under what circumstances would you use them?