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ICD-10 Coding for Conversion Disorder(F44.4, F44.5)

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

Also known as:

Functional Neurological DisorderHysteriaPsychogenic Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Conversion Disorder

F44.4-F44.7Primary Range

Dissociative and conversion disorders

This range includes specific types of conversion disorders based on symptomatology such as motor symptoms, pseudoseizures, and sensory deficits.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F44.4Conversion disorder with motor symptomsUse when motor symptoms like paralysis or tremor are present without a neurological basis.
  • Hoover’s sign
  • Inconsistency with anatomical patterns
F44.5Conversion disorder with pseudoseizuresUse for seizure-like episodes without EEG abnormalities.
  • Normal EEG during episodes
  • Preserved awareness

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 conversion disorder

Essential facts and insights about Conversion Disorder

The ICD-10 code for conversion disorder is F44, with subcodes like F44.4 for motor symptoms and F44.5 for pseudoseizures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for conversion disorder

Conversion disorder with motor symptoms
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of motor symptoms without neurological basis

Applicable To

  • Paralysis
  • Tremor

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Hoover’s sign
  • Inconsistency with anatomical patterns

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis if organic causes are not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies motor symptoms are inconsistent with known neurological patterns.

Ancillary Codes

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

Generalized anxiety disorder

F41.1
Use if anxiety is a comorbid condition.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

F43.10
Use if pseudoseizures are triggered by PTSD.

Differential Codes

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

Multiple sclerosis

G35
Confirmed by MRI/CSF findings

Epilepsy, unspecified

G40.909
Confirmed by EEG findings

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Conversion Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F44.4.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language in documentation, Include relevant test results

Impact

Reimbursement: May lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific codes such as F44.5 for pseudoseizures.

Impact

Lack of detailed symptom documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all symptoms are documented with specific details and test results.

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

Documentation Templates for Conversion Disorder

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

Conversion disorder with motor symptoms

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptom description
  • Exclusion of neurological causes

Example Documentation

35F presents with sudden right-hand paralysis x 3 days. No trauma. Recent job loss 2 weeks prior. Denies numbness/tingling. Normal cervical spine MRI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Weakness in left arm.
Good Documentation Example
Left arm paralysis inconsistent with nerve distribution patterns, normal EMG/NCS, onset following marital conflict.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptom details and context, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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