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ICD-10 Coding for Delirium Unspecified(F05.9)

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

Also known as:

Acute Confusional StateAcute Brain Failure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Delirium Unspecified

F05-F05.9Primary Range

Delirium due to known physiological condition and unspecified

This range includes codes for delirium due to known physiological conditions and unspecified causes.

Symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness

This range includes codes for symptoms like disorientation and altered mental status, which may be related to delirium.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for delirium unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Delirium Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for delirium unspecified is F05.9, used when no specific cause is identified after thorough assessment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for delirium unspecified

Delirium, unspecified
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute onset and fluctuating course with no identifiable cause after assessment.

documentation Criteria

  • Document negative results from tests like metabolic panels and imaging.

Applicable To

  • Acute confusional state without known cause

Excludes

  • Delirium due to known physiological condition (F05)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Acute onset with fluctuating attention
  • Disorganized thinking
  • Negative workup for known causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when a cause is identified but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure thorough documentation of negative findings to justify the use of F05.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbance

F03.01
Use when delirium is superimposed on unspecified dementia with behavioral symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Delirium due to known physiological condition

F05
Use F05 when a specific physiological cause is identified and documented.

Altered mental status, unspecified

R41.82
Use R41.82 for general altered mental status without meeting full delirium criteria.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Delirium Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F05.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured notes including CAM criteria., Ensure detailed assessment and documentation of symptoms.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Increases audit risk due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Affects data accuracy and quality for clinical statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all potential causes are documented, and use F05 if a cause is identified.

Impact

Failure to document negative findings can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all negative 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 Delirium Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Delirium Unspecified

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

Acute Delirium with Unknown Cause

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Onset and fluctuation of symptoms
  • Negative test results
  • Cognitive assessment findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute confusion. Workup reveals normal CBC, CMP, CT head. Documentation states: 'Delirium of unknown etiology, likely multifactorial.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient confused, likely dementia.
Good Documentation Example
Acute onset fluctuating attention (CAM-ICU positive), disorientation to time/place, and illogical speech. No infectious, metabolic, or structural etiology identified despite [list tests].
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, assessment results, and rules out known causes, supporting the use of F05.9.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Delirium Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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