ICD-10 Code F50.20 – Bulimia nervosa, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F50.20 – Bulimia nervosa, unspecified
What it is
F50.20 identifies bulimia nervosa when the record does not specify a subtype. It is used for a eating disorder marked by recurrent binge eating with compensatory behaviors, but documentation does not name a more specific form.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include episodes of overeating, fear of weight gain, and behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents bulimia nervosa but does not identify a more specific category. It also fits when the note confirms the diagnosis and the available detail is limited. If the record supports a different eating disorder or a specified subtype, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or eating disorder NOS when a different diagnosis is documented. Check documentation if the chart describes purging without a confirmed bulimia diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code only what the provider documents, and query for specificity if the subtype or related eating disorder is unclear.