ICD-10 Guide

R63.39

Other feeding difficulties

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R63.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other feeding difficulties.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R63.39 encompasses a variety of feeding difficulties that do not fall under more specific categories. These may include issues such as refusal to eat, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or abnormal appetite regulation. Patients may present with symptoms such as significant weight loss, failure to thrive in children, or nutritional deficiencies due to inadequate intake. The underlying causes can range from psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression, to physiological issues like gastrointestinal disorders or neurological conditions. Accurate diagnosis often requires a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed dietary history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory tests to evaluate nutritional status. Clinicians must consider the patient's age, developmental stage, and any coexisting medical conditions when evaluating feeding difficulties. This code is particularly relevant in pediatric populations, where feeding issues can significantly impact growth and development.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Variety of underlying causes requiring thorough assessment
Overlap with other ICD-10 codes related to feeding issues
Need for detailed documentation to support diagnosis
Potential for misclassification with more specific codes

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of the specific feeding difficulty
Failure to provide supporting evidence for the diagnosis
Misuse of the code when a more specific code is applicable
Lack of clarity on the patient's nutritional status

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of dietary habits, physical examination findings, and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions that may affect feeding, such as diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute dysphagia or severe malnutrition presenting to the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Rapid evaluation of airway protection and potential need for feeding interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R63.39 When

Follow official ICD
10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
The code should only be used when other more specific codes do not apply

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R63.39 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 dietary counseling.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's nutritional assessment and goals.

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.

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.

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.

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

What are the common causes of feeding difficulties?

Common causes include psychological factors such as anxiety or depression, physiological issues like dysphagia or gastrointestinal disorders, and developmental delays in children.

How can I ensure accurate coding for feeding difficulties?

Ensure that the diagnosis is well-documented, supported by clinical findings, and that any underlying causes are clearly identified.

ICD-10 R63.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other feeding difficulties.