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ICD-10 Coding for Dementia Not Otherwise Specified(F03.90, F03.91)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Dementia Not Otherwise Specified. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Unspecified DementiaDementia NOS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dementia Not Otherwise Specified

F03Primary Range

Unspecified dementia

This range covers dementia cases where specific types are not identified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F03.90Unspecified dementia without behavioral disturbanceUse when dementia is diagnosed but specific type and behavioral symptoms are not documented.
  • MMSE score ≤24
  • Exclusion of vascular causes via imaging
F03.91Unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbanceUse when dementia is diagnosed with documented behavioral symptoms.
  • Behavioral symptoms documented such as agitation or aggression.

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 dementia not otherwise specified

Essential facts and insights about Dementia Not Otherwise Specified

The ICD-10 code for dementia not otherwise specified without behavioral disturbance is F03.90, and with behavioral disturbance is F03.91.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dementia not otherwise specified

Unspecified dementia without behavioral disturbance
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Dementia symptoms present without specific type identified.

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of behavioral symptoms in documentation.

Applicable To

  • Dementia NOS without behavioral symptoms

Excludes

  • Dementia in Alzheimer's disease (F02.8)
  • Vascular dementia (F01.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MMSE score ≤24
  • Exclusion of vascular causes via imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Failure to document severity may lead to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'without behavioral disturbance' if using F03.90.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbance

F03.91
Presence of behavioral symptoms like agitation or aggression.

Unspecified dementia without behavioral disturbance

F03.90
Absence of behavioral symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dementia Not Otherwise Specified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F03.90.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of all symptoms., Use checklists for behavioral symptoms.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure severity is documented using scales like FAST or CDR.

Impact

Lack of severity documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory severity documentation protocols.

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 Dementia Not Otherwise Specified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Dementia Not Otherwise Specified

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Dementia Not Otherwise Specified. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Cognitive Assessment
  • Functional Status
  • Etiological Workup

Example Documentation

**Cognitive Assessment:** - MMSE: __/30 - Functional Status: Requires assistance with daily activities **Etiological Workup:** - MRI: No vascular lesions **Diagnostic Statement:** 'Moderate dementia not otherwise specified without behavioral disturbances.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dementia present
Good Documentation Example
Severe unspecified dementia (FAST Stage 6) with nocturnal agitation requiring pharmacologic intervention
Explanation
The good example provides specific severity and behavioral details, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Dementia Not Otherwise Specified? Ask your questions below.

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

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