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ICD-10 Coding for Cognitive Dysfunction(G30.1, I69.31, R41.84)

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

Also known as:

Cognitive ImpairmentCognitive Decline

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cognitive Dysfunction

G30-G31Primary Range

Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases of the nervous system

Primary range for Alzheimer's-related cognitive dysfunction.

Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease

Used for cognitive deficits following cerebrovascular incidents.

Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness

Includes non-specific cognitive deficits and those related to TBI.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G30.1Alzheimer's disease with late onsetUse when Alzheimer's disease is confirmed with late onset.
  • MRI showing hippocampal atrophy
  • MMSE score ≤24
I69.31Cognitive deficits following cerebral infarctionUse for cognitive deficits directly resulting from a stroke.
  • Documented history of stroke
  • Cognitive testing showing deficits
R41.84Cognitive deficits following traumatic brain injuryUse for cognitive deficits resulting from a TBI.
  • History of TBI
  • Neuropsychological testing confirming deficits

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 cognitive dysfunction

Essential facts and insights about Cognitive Dysfunction

ICD-10 codes for cognitive dysfunction include G30.1 for Alzheimer's and I69.31 for post-stroke deficits.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cognitive dysfunction

Alzheimer's disease with late onset
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed Alzheimer's with late onset and dementia symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Excludes

  • Frontotemporal dementia (G31.09)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing hippocampal atrophy
  • MMSE score ≤24

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if onset is not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies late onset and dementia presence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere

F02.8
Use with G30 codes to specify dementia due to Alzheimer's.

Differential Codes

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

Other frontotemporal dementia

G31.09
Use when frontotemporal dementia is confirmed, not Alzheimer's.

Cognitive deficits following traumatic brain injury

R41.84
Use when deficits are due to TBI, not stroke.

Cognitive deficits following cerebral infarction

I69.31
Use when deficits are due to stroke, not TBI.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cognitive Dysfunction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G30.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific ICD-10 codes with etiology., Ensure thorough clinical documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Denial due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify the type and cause of cognitive deficits using G30 and F02.8.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of cognitive assessments can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all elements of the cognitive care plan are documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Cognitive Dysfunction

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

Neurology Progress Note for Cognitive Deficits

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Subjective cognitive complaints
  • Objective cognitive testing results
  • Assessment of cognitive disorder
  • Plan for management

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports forgetting names. **Objective**: MoCA 18/30. **Assessment**: G30.1 Alzheimer's with dementia. **Plan**: Start donepezil.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Memory decline noted.
Good Documentation Example
Severe episodic memory deficit with impaired IADLs, consistent with G30.1.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, severity, and etiology of the cognitive deficit.

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