Quick reference
- When to use
- Use F50.02 when the client meets full criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, Binge-Eating/Purging Type. Specify severity level per DSM-5 guidelines. For anorexia, base severity on BMI. For bulimia/BED, base on frequency of compensatory behaviors or binge episodes.
- Duration
- Anorexia: ongoing until remission criteria met. Bulimia/BED: behaviors must occur at least weekly for 3 months. Partial remission: previously met full criteria, some symptoms persist. Full remission: no criteria met for sustained period.
- Session codes
- Pair with CPT 90837 (60-min, often needed for meal planning + therapy). 90834 for maintenance. 96127 for EDE-Q screening. Medical monitoring may require coordination with primary care. FBT: 90847.
- Key indicators
- Restriction, bingeing, or purging behaviors • Body image disturbance • Weight/shape overvaluation • Medical complications • Functional impairment • Specific BMI or behavior frequency thresholds
What F50.02 represents
This subtype of anorexia nervosa involves recurrent binge eating or purging behavior (self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) during the current period, while maintaining significantly low body weight.
Key diagnostic criteria
- Meets all criteria for anorexia nervosa
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging in the past 3 months
- Significantly low body weight despite binge-eating episodes
Documentation essentials
Document weight, binge/purge frequency and methods, medical complications, and body image disturbance.
Differential diagnosis
Distinguish from bulimia nervosa (normal or above-normal weight) and binge eating disorder (no compensatory behaviors).
Treatment planning
Nutritional rehabilitation, FBT for adolescents, CBT-E. Medical monitoring for purging complications (electrolyte imbalances, cardiac risks).
Insurance & billing
Higher medical risk than restricting type. Document medical complications.
Updates & changes
No significant coding changes anticipated.
Documentation pitfalls
Monitor medical complications closely – this subtype carries higher medical risk than restricting type.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).