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ICD-10 Coding for Behavioral Problem(F91.3, F43.24)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Behavioral Problem. 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 Behavioral Problem

F90-F98Primary Range

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

This range includes codes for various behavioral disorders commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents, such as ADHD and conduct disorders.

Persons with potential health hazards related to socioeconomic and psychosocial circumstances

These codes are used to provide context for behavioral problems related to environmental and social factors.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F91.3Oppositional defiant disorderUse when a patient exhibits persistent oppositional behavior that meets DSM-5 criteria.
  • ≥4 DSM-5 ODD criteria for ≥6 months
  • Observed in multiple settings (home/school)
F43.24Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conductUse when symptoms are a direct response to a specific stressor and cause significant impairment.
  • Symptom onset within 3 months of identifiable stressor
  • No prior psychiatric history

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 oppositional defiant disorder

Essential facts and insights about Behavioral Problem

The ICD-10 code for oppositional defiant disorder is F91.3, used for persistent oppositional behavior meeting DSM-5 criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for behavioral problem

Oppositional defiant disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ≥4 DSM-5 criteria for ODD

documentation Criteria

  • Behavior observed in multiple settings

Applicable To

  • Recurrent pattern of angry/irritable mood
  • Argumentative/defiant behavior

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ≥4 DSM-5 ODD criteria for ≥6 months
  • Observed in multiple settings (home/school)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with conduct disorder
  • Inadequate documentation of settings

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific DSM-5 criteria met by the patient.

Ancillary Codes

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

Problems related to education and literacy

Z55.8
Use to provide context for academic underachievement related to behavioral issues.

Violent behavior

R45.6
Use to document specific behavioral manifestations.

Differential Codes

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

ADHD with impulsivity

F90.1
ADHD is characterized by inattention and hyperactivity, not primarily defiant behavior.

Moderate depressive episode

F32.1
Adjustment disorder is linked to a specific stressor, unlike depressive episodes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Behavioral Problem to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F91.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific stressor and timeline, Ensure linkage between stressor and symptoms

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting patient care and research.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific behaviors and settings.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes without adequate documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of behaviors and settings.

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

Documentation Templates for Behavioral Problem

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

Adolescent with oppositional behavior

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Presenting problem
  • History of present illness
  • Mental status exam
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

16yo male with 8-month history of deliberate property destruction, verbal aggression toward teachers, and refusal to comply with household rules.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has behavioral issues.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits ≥4 DSM-5 criteria for oppositional defiant disorder including frequent temper outbursts (5x/week), active defiance of adult requests, and vindictiveness persisting >6 months across home and school environments.
Explanation
The good example provides specific DSM-5 criteria and settings, ensuring accurate coding.

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