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ICD-10 Coding for Behavior Concerns(F91.1, F90.1)

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

Also known as:

Behavioral IssuesConduct Problems

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Behavior Concerns

F90-F98Primary Range

Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence

This range includes codes for various behavioral disorders, including ADHD and conduct disorders, which are primary concerns in behavior issues.

Persons with potential health hazards related to socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances

These codes are used to capture psychosocial factors that may influence behavior concerns, such as educational and economic issues.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F91.1Conduct disorder, childhood-onset typeUse when the patient exhibits persistent aggression and rule-breaking behaviors starting before age 10.
  • Document ≥3 aggressive behaviors in 12 months
  • Include specific acts like bullying or property destruction
F90.1Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive typeUse when the patient shows ≥6 hyperactive/impulsive symptoms impairing function.
  • Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale scores
  • Symptoms present in ≥2 settings

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for behavior concerns

Essential facts and insights about Behavior Concerns

The ICD-10 code for behavior concerns, such as conduct disorder, is F91.1, requiring specific documentation of aggressive behaviors.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for behavior concern

Conduct disorder, childhood-onset type
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of aggressive behaviors in multiple settings

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of specific aggressive acts

Applicable To

  • Persistent aggression
  • Violation of others' rights

Excludes

  • Oppositional defiant disorder (F91.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Document ≥3 aggressive behaviors in 12 months
  • Include specific acts like bullying or property destruction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse of unspecified codes
  • Incorrect sequencing with underlying conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the frequency and context of behaviors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Food insecurity

Z59.41
Use to document socioeconomic factors impacting behavior.

Differential Codes

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

Oppositional defiant disorder

F91.3
Characterized by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior towards authority figures without aggressive acts.

ADHD, predominantly inattentive type

F90.0
Characterized by inattentiveness without significant hyperactivity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Behavior Concerns to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F91.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: May result in claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language detailing behaviors, Include corroborative evidence from multiple sources

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audits and compliance issues., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes when clinical indicators like frequency and severity are documented.

Impact

High frequency of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes with detailed 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 Behavior Concerns, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Behavior Concerns

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

Child with conduct disorder

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Presenting Problem
  • Behavioral Observations
  • Functional Assessment

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits daily physical altercations triggered by peer interactions, resulting in 2 school suspensions this quarter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Aggressive at school.
Good Documentation Example
Initiated 7 unprovoked shoving incidents in cafeteria 2/1-2/15/25 per teacher logs, requiring 3 staff interventions.
Explanation
The good example provides specific incidents, dates, and context, improving clarity and compliance.

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

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