Slow feeding of newborn

This code signifies a newborn experiencing difficulty with the rate of oral feeding, characterized by prolonged feeding times or an inability to complete a feeding within a typical duration. It indicates a functional feeding issue rather than an anatomical defect or a specific disease process.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states "slow feeding," "prolonged feeding," or similar descriptions in a newborn. This typically applies to infants who are otherwise healthy but struggle with efficient milk intake, often noted by nursing staff or parents.

• Ensure documentation specifies "newborn" or "infant" to differentiate from feeding issues in older children.
• Do not use this code if a more specific underlying cause for feeding difficulty (e.g., cleft palate, prematurity with respiratory distress, neurological impairment) is identified and coded.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for inadequate weight gain (R62.51) or failure to thrive (R62.50) if applicable and documented.