Rumination disorder of infancy and childhood

This code represents a feeding and eating disorder primarily affecting infants and young children, characterized by the repeated regurgitation and re-chewing of previously swallowed food. This behavior is not due to a gastrointestinal condition or other medical illness and is not part of another mental disorder.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a child or infant repeatedly brings up and re-chews food, often without nausea or disgust, and this behavior is not attributable to a medical cause. Supporting documentation should rule out conditions like GERD or pyloric stenosis and confirm the behavior is voluntary or semi-voluntary.

• Differentiate from vomiting due to medical conditions; the key is the re-chewing aspect.
• Ensure the patient's age aligns with "infancy and childhood" to avoid confusion with adult rumination disorder.
• Confirm that the behavior is not better explained by another mental health diagnosis, such as an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder where rumination might occur.