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ICD-10 Coding for Borderline Personality Disorder(F60.3)

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

Also known as:

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Borderline Typeemotionally unstable personality disorderexplosive personality disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Borderline Personality Disorder

F60-F69Primary Range

Disorders of adult personality and behavior

This range includes personality disorders, with F60.3 specifically for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for Borderline Personality Disorder

Essential facts and insights about Borderline Personality Disorder

The ICD-10 code for Borderline Personality Disorder is F60.3, requiring documentation of DSM-5 criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for borderline personality disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits ≥5 DSM-5 criteria for BPD.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using F60.3 if only traits are documented.

Applicable To

  • Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Borderline Type

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (F43.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of ≥5 of 9 DSM-5 criteria for BPD
  • Evidence of emotional instability, impulsivity, and unstable relationships

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if only traits are documented
  • Incorrect use when symptoms align more closely with another disorder

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the full criteria for BPD to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Use for comorbid depression with BPD.

Suicidal ideation

R45.851
Use when there is active self-harm risk.

Differential Codes

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

Bipolar disorder

F31.xx
Use when mood episodes last days/weeks, unlike BPD's rapid mood swings.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

F43.10
Use when trauma precedes symptoms, unlike BPD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Borderline Personality Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F60.3.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis leading to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use checklists for DSM-5 criteria., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query: 'Clarify if traits meet full BPD criteria per DSM-5'

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of BPD criteria.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of DSM-5 criteria and comorbid conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Borderline Personality Disorder

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

Inpatient admission for BPD crisis

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • DSM-5 criteria met
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient admitted for BPD crisis with documented self-harm and emotional instability. Treatment includes DBT and safety planning.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has mood swings.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits daily emotional lability, 2 suicide attempts in past year, and unstable employment history. Meets 6/9 DSM-5 BPD criteria.
Explanation
The good example provides specific DSM-5 criteria and detailed symptomatology, supporting the BPD diagnosis.

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

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