ICD-10 Code F50.2 – Bulimia nervosa (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F50.2 – Bulimia nervosa
What it is
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by recurrent binge eating followed by behaviors meant to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative misuse. It reflects a psychiatric diagnosis, not simply disordered eating.
Clinical signs
Typical features include episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, plus compensatory behaviors. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use F50.2 when the clinician documents bulimia nervosa or clearly describes binge-purge behavior consistent with this diagnosis. Apply it for outpatient, inpatient, or behavioral health records when the diagnosis is established. If the note only mentions overeating without compensatory behavior, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for obesity, simple overeating, or anorexia nervosa. If the record does not support bulimia nervosa specifically, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider documents bulimia nervosa or equivalent diagnostic wording.