ICD-10 Code F50.21 – Bulimia nervosa, mild (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F50.21 – Bulimia nervosa, mild
What it is
F50.21 identifies bulimia nervosa when the condition is documented as mild. Use it for a diagnosed eating disorder marked by recurrent binge eating with compensatory behaviors, when severity is specified as mild.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include binge-eating episodes, self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or exercise, and preoccupation with weight or body shape.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician clearly documents bulimia nervosa and indicates the illness is mild. It is appropriate in outpatient, inpatient, or behavioral health records when severity is part of the diagnosis. If severity is not stated, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use F50.21 for anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or unspecified eating disorder. Do not assign it if bulimia is documented without a severity level and you cannot verify mild status.
Coding tip
Match the code to both the eating disorder diagnosis and the documented severity; if mild is not explicit, query the provider.