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

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

Also known as:

Behavioral IssuesConduct ProblemsBehavioral Disorders

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Behavior Problem

F90-F98Primary Range

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

This range includes primary codes for common behavioral disorders such as ADHD and conduct disorders.

Symptoms and signs involving emotional state and behavior

This range includes codes for symptoms like irritability and slowness, which may be used as ancillary codes.

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 criteria for conduct disorder are met, including aggressive behavior and rule violations.
  • Documented episodes of aggression or theft
  • School suspensions for fighting
F90.1Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive typeUse when inattention symptoms are predominant and meet DSM-5 criteria.
  • Vanderbilt Scale indicating inattention
  • Symptoms documented over 6 months

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 conduct disorder

Essential facts and insights about Behavior Problem

The ICD-10 code for conduct disorder, childhood-onset type, is F91.1. It includes behaviors such as recurrent physical cruelty and theft.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for behavior problem

Conduct disorder, childhood-onset type
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of aggressive behavior and rule violations

Applicable To

  • Recurrent physical cruelty
  • Theft
  • Violation of rules

Excludes

  • Oppositional defiant disorder (F91.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented episodes of aggression or theft
  • School suspensions for fighting

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with oppositional defiant disorder

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies aggressive acts and rule violations.

Ancillary Codes

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

Irritability and anger

R45.4
Use when irritability is present but not part of a defined disorder.

Differential Codes

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

Oppositional defiant disorder

F91.3
F91.3 involves defiance without physical aggression.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive type

F90.0
F90.0 is used when hyperactivity is predominant.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit findings., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide specific examples of aggressive acts., Link behavior to DSM-5 criteria.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes such as F41.1 for generalized anxiety disorder when criteria are met.

Impact

High use of unspecified codes increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure documentation supports code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Behavior Problem

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

Behavioral Health Initial Assessment

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of symptoms
  • Specific behavioral episodes
  • Impact on daily functioning

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a history of aggressive behavior, including 3 episodes of shoplifting and 2 school suspensions for fighting.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient is aggressive.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has exhibited 3 episodes of shoplifting and 2 school suspensions for fighting.
Explanation
The good example provides specific incidents and outcomes, enhancing clarity and coding accuracy.

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