In simple words: Pica is a condition where children eat things that aren't food, like dirt or paint chips, for a month or longer. This can be dangerous and cause health problems.

Pica of infancy and childhood is a feeding disorder characterized by the persistent consumption of non-nutritive substances (e.g., soil, paint chips, clay, etc.) for at least one month at an age where this behavior is developmentally inappropriate. It can manifest as an isolated behavior or as a symptom of other disorders like autism.While younger children might ingest paint, plaster, or cloth, older children may eat soil, clay, pebbles, or sand. Potential causes include mineral deficiencies, lack of parental attention, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities. Untreated pica can lead to complications like intestinal obstruction, poisoning, parasitic infections, and even death.

Example 1: A 3-year-old child is brought to the pediatrician because they have been eating dirt for the past two months. Blood tests reveal iron deficiency anemia, and the child is diagnosed with F98.3., A 7-year-old child with autism is observed eating paper and cloth.This behavior has been ongoing for several weeks and, combined with the autism diagnosis, leads to a diagnosis of F98.3., A 4-year-old child is found to have consumed paint chips containing lead. The child is admitted to the hospital for lead poisoning treatment and is also diagnosed with F98.3.

Documentation should include duration of pica behavior, specific non-food items consumed, any associated symptoms or health problems, results of physical examination and laboratory tests, and any underlying developmental or mental health conditions.

** The information provided is current as of December 1, 2024, and may be subject to change.Always verify coding guidelines with the latest official resources. For the most up-to-date and accurate medical coding and billing information, including historical fee schedules, NCCI edits, and RVUs, consult iFrameAI.