F98.3 ICD-10-CM

ICD-10-CM code F98.3 describes pica of infancy and childhood. Persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances in young children. It is a billable, specific code valid for claim submission. It is grouped under the “Child & Adolescent Disorders” section of the mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders chapter.

When to use F98.3

This group covers ADHD, conduct, oppositional defiant, attachment, tic, and elimination disorders with onset in childhood or adolescence, though the codes may be used regardless of current age. Select the presentation or type the documentation supports. For F98.3 specifically, persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances in young children.

Documentation & billing

Document the presentation (for ADHD), the onset type (for conduct disorder), and the symptom profile. Note the age of onset where it is clinically relevant.

Common pitfalls

• Using unspecified ADHD (F90.9) when the inattentive, hyperactive, or combined presentation is documented.
• Confusing conduct disorder with oppositional defiant disorder.
• Recording childhood-onset versus adolescent-onset conduct disorder incorrectly.

Common search terms for F98.3

Clinicians often look up F98.3 using plain-language terms. This code maps to:

Frequently asked questions