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ICD-10 Coding for Autism Disorder(F84.0)

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

Also known as:

Autism Spectrum DisorderASD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Autism Disorder

F84.0-F84.9Primary Range

Pervasive developmental disorders

This range includes Autism Spectrum Disorder and related conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for autism disorder

Essential facts and insights about Autism Disorder

The ICD-10 code for autism disorder is F84.0, covering Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for autism disorder

Autistic disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms must be present before age 3.

Applicable To

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Childhood Autism

Excludes

  • Asperger's syndrome (F84.5)
  • Rett's syndrome (F84.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity
  • Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior
  • Symptoms present in early developmental period

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with Asperger's syndrome
  • Incorrect exclusion of comorbid conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the presence of core ASD symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other developmental disorders of speech and language

F80.89
Use for additional speech and language disorders present with ASD.

Differential Codes

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

Asperger's syndrome

F84.5
No language delay and IQ ≥70.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Autism Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F84.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized assessment tools., Include detailed behavioral observations.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of social and behavioral symptoms.

Impact

Failure to document core ASD symptoms can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and checklists for documentation.

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 Autism Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Autism Disorder

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

ABA Therapy Session

Specialty: Behavioral Health

Required Elements

  • Patient ID
  • Session Date
  • Target Behavior
  • Intervention
  • Data
  • Sensory Accommodations
  • Parent Training

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits improved turn-taking during play, achieving 3/5 opportunities post-intervention.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has autism.
Good Documentation Example
Patient shows deficits in social reciprocity and repetitive behaviors.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Autism Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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