2025 ICD-10-CM code F98.3
Pica of infancy and childhood. This involves persistent eating of non-nutritive substances.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of persistent, clinically significant pica behavior impacting the individual's health or well-being.
Diagnosis involves evaluating medical history, signs and symptoms, physical examination, abdominal X-rays (to rule out intestinal obstruction), blood tests (to check for anemia or toxins), and DSM criteria. Treatment may include behavior therapy, dietary changes to replace non-food items with nutritious options, and in some cases, punishment or hospitalization to address complications arising from pica.
- 6 (Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders)
- Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence (F90-F98)
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.
- Specialties:Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Psychology, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home