Pediatric Feeding Disorder Advocacy Initiative
A new stand-alone ICD – 10 feeding diagnoses code will be effective October 2021, Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). For years, children with feeding and eating issues have been misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because their sensory, motor, nutritional, or psychosocial deficits have not met current diagnostic coding. PFD addresses 4 domains of feeding/eating: medical, psychosocial, nutrition, and feeding skill-based systems and requires a comprehensive assessment by multiple professional disciplines to occur prior to the PFD diagnosis. Occupational therapy has been identified as one of the key professionals to assess feeding skill-based systems.
WHAT IS PFD? PFD is a stand-alone diagnosis for children who experience deficits with oral intake. One in 37 children under the age of 5 will experience feeding issues. PFD includes deficits in one or more of the following four domains: medical, nutrition, feeding skills, and psychosocial. Multiple disciplines are recommended to be included in the evaluation process to increase comprehensive best practice. For years, medical providers struggled to find the right diagnosis for children who experience eating issues. Often children were missed diagnosed or lacked a diagnosis which has impacted treatment, support, and services. The new recognition of PFD will increase quality of life for children.
ROLE OF OT? Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Language Pathology (SLP) have been identified as two key providers to assess feeding skills domain. Children who present with texture modification needs, modified positioning, or adaptive equipment should be referred to an OT or SLP for a feeding skill assessment. OT can help educate families, providers, and insurance companies which will increase the understanding of PFD.
CONSENSUS PAPER: Feeding Matters, a nonprofit organization supporting feeding research, advocacy, and education published a consensus paper outlying the diagnosis and defining the domains. Review the consensus paper to read about the background to PFD, domains, and best practice initiates.
https://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Fulltext/2019/01000/Pediatric_Feeding_Disorder__Consensus_Definition.24.aspx
WHERE DOES MICHIGAN STAND ON PFD? In May 2021, Michigan was one of nine states who recognized National Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month through a public proclamation. A workgroup of Michigan OT and SLP providers was developed Fall 2021 to further advanced advocacy efforts.
https://www.feedingmatters.org/pfd-awareness-month/
PFD TOOLKIT: If you want more information and resources to help advocate and support children and families. Feeding Matters has created a free PFD Toolkit with reproducible materials for providers and families.
https://www.feedingmatters.org/toolkit/?mc_cid=94f284e7e8&mc_eid=054d5c9703
Contact: administration@miota.org