ICD-10 Code F98.21 – Rumination disorder of infancy and childhood (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F98.21 – Rumination disorder of infancy and childhood
What it is
F98.21 identifies rumination disorder in infants or children, a feeding disorder where recently eaten food is repeatedly regurgitated and re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. Use it for the disorder, not for isolated vomiting.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical notes describe repeated effortless regurgitation after meals, absent nausea, and no clear gastrointestinal cause. You may also see weight loss, poor growth, or feeding difficulty.
When to use this code
Use F98.21 when the provider documents rumination disorder in an infant or child and the record supports recurrent postprandial regurgitation. It may be used when the behavior is chronic and clinically significant. Check documentation if the age group or diagnosis is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for simple vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, or other confirmed digestive disorders. If the chart only says “regurgitation” without a diagnosis of rumination disorder, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider’s exact diagnosis and the patient’s age, since F98.21 is specific to infancy and childhood.