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ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Behavior(R46.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Abnormal Behavior. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Strange BehaviorInexplicable Behavior

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Abnormal Behavior

R40-R46Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior

This range includes codes for various abnormal behaviors, including strange and inexplicable behavior.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for abnormal behavior

Essential facts and insights about Abnormal Behavior

The ICD-10 code for abnormal behavior is R46.2, used for strange and inexplicable behaviors when no definitive diagnosis is available.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for abnormal behavior

Strange and inexplicable behavior
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Behavior is non-purposeful and unexplained.

coding Criteria

  • No definitive diagnosis is established.

Applicable To

  • Fecal smearing
  • Non-purposeful behavior

Excludes

  • Conduct disorder (F91.-)
  • Dissociative disorders (F44.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented episodes of non-purposeful behavior
  • Behavioral assessments

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse as a primary diagnosis when a definitive condition exists

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the nature and frequency of the behavior.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Dementia with behavioral disturbance

F02.81
Use when dementia is the primary diagnosis and behavior is a symptom.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other dissociative disorders

F44.89
Presence of dissociative episodes with purposeful behavior.

Conduct disorder, unspecified

F91.9
Presence of goal-directed antisocial behavior.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Abnormal Behavior to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R46.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific behavioral descriptions., Include context and frequency.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure a definitive diagnosis is not established before using R46.2 as primary.

Impact

Claims may be audited if R46.2 is used without detailed behavioral documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of behavior and context.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Abnormal Behavior, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Abnormal Behavior

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Abnormal Behavior. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Documenting fecal smearing in a patient with intellectual disability

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Behavioral description
  • Frequency and duration
  • Impact on daily activities

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits fecal smearing 3 times weekly, impacting social interactions.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient acts strangely.
Good Documentation Example
Patient smears feces on walls 3 times weekly, affecting social participation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific behavior details and its impact.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Abnormal Behavior? Ask your questions below.

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