F50.029

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A severe eating disorder with restrictive eating, binge eating, and purging behaviors where the severity level is not specified or documented.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when severity cannot be determined from documentation
• •Query the provider if severity level is not documented to assign the appropriate specific code

Clinical Significance

Anorexia nervosa, binge eating/purging type involves episodes of binge eating and/or purging (self-induced vomiting, laxative/diuretic misuse) in a patient who meets low-weight criteria for anorexia nervosa. Unspecified severity indicates the binge eating/purging type is documented but severity has not been specified. This subtype carries additional risks of electrolyte imbalances, esophageal tears, and dental erosion compared to the restricting type.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation of binge eating episodes and/or purging behaviors (vomiting, laxatives, diuretics) in the context of low body weight
• ✓Current BMI or weight documenting severity (BMI not specified)
• ✓Distinction from bulimia nervosa (patient must meet low-weight criteria for anorexia nervosa)
• ✓Frequency of binge/purge episodes
• ✓Medical monitoring for purging complications (electrolytes, dental health, esophageal integrity, cardiac status)

Commonly Confused Codes