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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR63.30

R63.30

Feeding difficulties, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R63.30 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of feeding difficulties, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Feeding difficulties, unspecified (ICD-10 code R63.30) refers to a range of challenges that individuals may experience while attempting to eat or drink. These difficulties can manifest as refusal to eat, inability to swallow, or challenges in coordinating the act of eating. The symptoms may arise from various underlying conditions, including neurological disorders, gastrointestinal issues, or psychological factors. In children, feeding difficulties can lead to growth delays and nutritional deficiencies, while in adults, they may result in weight loss and malnutrition. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause of the feeding difficulty has not been determined or documented. Clinicians should conduct thorough assessments, including physical examinations and possibly imaging or laboratory tests, to identify any underlying conditions contributing to the feeding difficulties. Accurate documentation of the patient's symptoms, history, and any relevant findings is essential for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for thorough clinical documentation
  • Differentiation from similar codes
  • Potential for misclassification

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify underlying conditions
  • Inconsistent coding across encounters
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset and duration of feeding difficulties, associated symptoms, and any previous interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, or gastrointestinal complaints.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities such as diabetes or chronic illness that may affect feeding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of feeding difficulties, including vital signs and immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute choking episodes, severe dysphagia, or altered mental status affecting feeding.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of the cause of feeding difficulties to guide immediate treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R63.30 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, R63
  • 30 should be used when the specific cause of feeding difficulties is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R63.30 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

97802CPT Code

Medical nutrition therapy, individual, face-to-face

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with feeding difficulties requires nutritional counseling.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the patient's nutritional status and specific feeding difficulties.

Specialty Considerations

Nutritionists and dietitians should collaborate with physicians for comprehensive care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of feeding difficulties, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation. R63.30 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders should strive for specificity when possible.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of feeding difficulties, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation. R63.30 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders should strive for specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of feeding difficulties, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation. R63.30 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders should strive for specificity when possible.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R63.30?

Use R63.30 when a patient presents with feeding difficulties that are not specified or linked to a known condition. Ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.