Rumination disorder in adults

This code signifies a feeding and eating disorder characterized by the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This behavior is not due to a gastrointestinal condition or other medical cause and occurs in individuals who are no longer infants or young children.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates recurrent regurgitation of food in an adult patient, without an underlying medical explanation for the behavior. The patient may report re-chewing or re-swallowing the regurgitated food. Ensure the clinical notes differentiate this from conditions like GERD or bulimia nervosa.

• Differentiate from F98.21; this code is specifically for adult presentations.
• Ensure documentation rules out other medical or mental health conditions that could cause regurgitation.
• Do not code with F98.21 (rumination disorder in infancy and childhood).