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ICD-10 Coding for Behavioral Issues(F90.0, F43.10)

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

Also known as:

Behavioral DisordersEmotional Disorders

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Behavioral Issues

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.

Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders

This range includes codes for anxiety disorders which can be primary if no physiological cause is identified.

Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

This range includes codes for substance use disorders, which can be primary if substance use is the main issue.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F90.0Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive typeUse when ADHD symptoms are predominantly inattentive and interfere with functioning.
  • Vanderbilt or Conners scales
  • Teacher/parent reports
F43.10Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecifiedUse when PTSD symptoms are present but not specified as acute or chronic.
  • Exposure to trauma
  • Intrusive symptoms lasting more than one month

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 ADHD

Essential facts and insights about Behavioral Issues

The ICD-10 code for ADHD, predominantly inattentive type, is F90.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for behavioral issues

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Persistent inattention interfering with academic/occupational functioning

Applicable To

  • ADHD, predominantly inattentive type

Excludes

  • Conduct disorder (F91.-)
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (F91.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Vanderbilt or Conners scales
  • Teacher/parent reports

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies inattentive type to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific inattentive behaviors and their impact on daily functioning.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state

R45.8
Use for additional emotional symptoms not covered by primary diagnosis.

Conviction in civil and criminal proceedings without imprisonment

Z65.0
Use for legal issues impacting mental health.

Differential Codes

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

Conduct disorder, childhood-onset type

F91.1
Conduct disorder involves repetitive and persistent patterns of behavior that violate societal norms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic

F43.12
Chronic PTSD involves symptoms persisting for more than three months.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Behavioral Issues to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F90.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify mild, moderate, or severe when applicable., Use clinical scales to support severity documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit flags for insufficient documentation., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific symptoms and use the most specific code available.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

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

Documentation Templates for Behavioral Issues

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

Behavioral Health Assessment

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Presenting problem
  • Risk factors
  • Functional impact

Example Documentation

Presenting Problem: 'Self-harm urges 5x/week with intent to die via cutting.' Risk Factors: History of CSA (Z62.810), parental substance use (Z81.1). Functional Impact: Missed 12 work days in 3 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient is anxious.
Good Documentation Example
Generalized anxiety with persistent worry, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance ≥6 months.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and duration, meeting clinical criteria for anxiety.

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