What is the ICD-10 code for feeding difficulties?

December 14, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the parent code for feeding difficulties in the ICD-10 system is R63.3, but more specific, billable subcodes are required for proper documentation and reimbursement. Accurately identifying the correct ICD-10 code for feeding problems is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure clear clinical documentation and appropriate billing.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the specific ICD-10 codes for feeding difficulties, detailing options for pediatric, neonatal, and other related conditions, with information critical for accurate diagnosis and billing.

Key Points

R63.3 Is a Parent Code: The overarching ICD-10 code for feeding difficulties is R63.3, which requires a more specific subcode for billing purposes.
Differentiate Pediatric vs. Neonatal: Use R63.31 or R63.32 for children older than 28 days, and the P92.x series for newborns (28 days or younger).
Acute vs. Chronic Pediatric: R63.31 is for acute feeding disorders (less than 3 months), while R63.32 is for chronic disorders (3 months or more).
Dysphagia is a Distinct Diagnosis: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is coded separately under R13.1x and should be used alongside or instead of feeding difficulty codes when appropriate.
Associated Conditions Require Additional Codes: Conditions often linked to feeding problems, such as Failure to Thrive (R62.5x) or gastroesophageal reflux (K21.x), should be coded as well.
Specify Underlying Causes: If a non-organic (behavioral) issue is the primary cause, consider using F98.2x in conjunction with or instead of other feeding codes.

Understanding the R63.3 Code Series for Feeding Difficulties

The overarching category for general feeding difficulties in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) is R63.3. However, R63.3 is typically not a billable code and serves as a placeholder. Proper coding requires using more specific subcodes based on patient age and the condition's duration.

Pediatric Feeding Disorder (R63.31 and R63.32)

Specific pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) codes were introduced to provide greater detail for patients aged 28 days through 17 years. R63.31 is for acute difficulties (less than three months), while R63.32 is for chronic difficulties (three months or longer).

Neonatal Feeding Problems (P92.x)

For newborns up to 28 days old, feeding issues fall under the P92.x series, covering conditions originating in the perinatal period. Examples include P92.5 (neonatal difficulty feeding at breast) and P92.6 (failure to thrive in a newborn).

Other Relevant Feeding-Related Codes

Feeding issues can be linked to other conditions like dysphagia (R13.1x) or Failure to Thrive (R62.5x). Infant feeding disorder of nonorganic origin uses the F98.2- series.

Comparison of Pediatric Feeding Disorder Codes


Feature	Acute Pediatric Feeding Disorder (R63.31)	Chronic Pediatric Feeding Disorder (R63.32)
Duration	Less than 3 months	3 months or longer
Common Symptoms	Acute weight loss	Failure to thrive, significant growth chart decline
Treatment Focus	Immediate dietary and behavioral interventions	Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach (OT, SLP, nutritionist)

The Importance of Specificity in Feeding Diagnosis

Using the most specific ICD-10 code is crucial for accurate data, ensuring reimbursement, and guiding effective treatment plans.

Conclusion

Accurately coding feeding issues involves considering age, duration, and related conditions. Healthcare professionals must stay updated on current guidelines.

This article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace advice from a qualified medical coder or healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is the duration of the condition. R63.31 is used for acute pediatric feeding disorders, meaning the issue has been present for less than three months. R63.32 is for chronic pediatric feeding disorders, defined as lasting for three months or more.

You should use a P92.x code specifically for feeding problems in newborns, defined as patients up to 28 days old. The R63.3x series is for infants and children older than 28 days.

No, dysphagia refers specifically to difficulty swallowing, which is a different issue from a general feeding difficulty. While they can be related, dysphagia is coded under the R13.1x series, and both codes may be used together if appropriate.

R63.30 is an unspecified code for feeding difficulties, used when there is insufficient clinical documentation to determine if the condition is acute or chronic. Coders should strive for the more specific R63.31 or R63.32 when possible.

FTT is coded separately from feeding difficulties, although they often coexist. A child's FTT can be coded as R62.51 (child) or R62.52 (older child). The feeding difficulty code (R63.3x or P92.x) would be listed as an additional diagnosis.

An infant feeding disorder of nonorganic origin (coded F98.2-) is a behavioral or psychological feeding problem that does not stem from an underlying medical cause. This is distinct from R63.3 and P92.x, which relate to physical difficulties.

R63.39 includes non-specific feeding problems in elderly patients, but if the issue is a swallowing difficulty, a dysphagia code (R13.1x) may be more appropriate. For feeding-related issues in adults like Abnormal weight loss, see R63.4, or for Adult Failure to Thrive, R62.7.