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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF50.2

F50.2

Billable

Bulimia nervosa

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 F50.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia often have a distorted body image and may be preoccupied with their weight and body shape. The disorder can lead to severe physical health complications, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, dental erosion, and cardiovascular problems. Psychological comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are also common. Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical criteria, including the frequency of binge-eating episodes and compensatory behaviors, as well as the impact on the individual's physical and mental health. Treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical management to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of the disorder.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms and behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of binge-eating and compensatory behaviors.
  • Potential comorbid conditions that may complicate diagnosis.
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of binge-eating frequency.
  • Failure to document compensatory behaviors.
  • Misclassification of bulimia nervosa severity.
  • Lack of evidence for comorbid conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Detailed psychiatric evaluation and treatment plan, including mental status examination.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with anxiety, depression, or self-harm behaviors related to bulimia.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include the patient's history of eating behaviors and any psychiatric comorbidities.

Nutrition

Documentation Requirements

Nutritional assessments and dietary plans tailored to the patient's needs.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring nutritional rehabilitation and education on healthy eating habits.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the patient's dietary history and any changes in eating patterns.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F50.2 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, F50
  • 2 should be used when the patient meets the criteria for bulimia nervosa, including the frequency of binge
  • eating episodes and compensatory behaviors

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F50.2 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other eating disorders that may present with similar symptoms

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

90834CPT Code

Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient

Clinical Scenario

Used for therapy sessions addressing bulimia nervosa.

Documentation Requirements

Session notes detailing the patient's progress and treatment goals.

Specialty Considerations

Psychiatrists should document the therapeutic approach and any changes in treatment.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of bulimia nervosa, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the disorder and its treatment. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of bulimia nervosa, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the disorder and its treatment. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of bulimia nervosa, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the disorder and its treatment. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Eating Disorders Association

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Eating Disorders Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key symptoms of bulimia nervosa?

Key symptoms include recurrent episodes of binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors, and a preoccupation with body weight and shape.

How is bulimia nervosa treated?

Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication to address both psychological and physical aspects of the disorder.