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ICD-10 Coding for Erratic Behavior(R46.2)

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

Also known as:

Unpredictable BehaviorBizarre Behavior

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Erratic Behavior

R40-R46Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior

This range includes codes for behavioral symptoms when no specific psychiatric diagnosis is confirmed.

Mood [affective] disorders

Includes codes for mood disorders that may present with erratic behavior, such as bipolar disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for erratic behavior

Essential facts and insights about Erratic Behavior

The ICD-10 code for erratic behavior is R46.2, used when behavior is unexplained and no specific psychiatric diagnosis is confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for erratic behavior

Strange and inexplicable behavior
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Behavior is unexplained and not linked to a psychiatric diagnosis

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of behavior, context, and duration

Applicable To

  • Unexplained behavioral changes

Excludes

  • Behavioral symptoms due to confirmed psychiatric disorders

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Observable behavioral changes without a confirmed psychiatric diagnosis
  • Negative results for substance use

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when a psychiatric diagnosis is present
  • Under-documentation of specific behaviors

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly indicates the absence of a specific psychiatric diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Bipolar disorder

F31.xx
Use when erratic behavior is part of a manic or hypomanic episode.

Differential Codes

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

Other symptoms and signs involving appearance and behavior

R46.89
Use R46.89 for other non-specific behavioral symptoms not classified under R46.2.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Erratic Behavior to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R46.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical understanding, Regulatory: Increased audit risk, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific, detailed descriptions, Include context and duration

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to lower reimbursement, Compliance: Potential for audit due to incorrect coding, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Use the specific psychiatric diagnosis code as primary and R46.2 as secondary if needed.

Impact

Using R46.2 when a psychiatric diagnosis is present

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and correct code sequencing.

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 Erratic Behavior, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Erratic Behavior

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

Documenting unexplained erratic behavior

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Specific behavior description
  • Frequency and duration
  • Context and triggers
  • Interventions attempted

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits abrupt mood swings and unpredictable actions, occurring daily in various settings, lasting 5-10 minutes, with no response to verbal de-escalation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient acting erratic
Good Documentation Example
Patient demonstrated 3 episodes of abrupt desk-clearing (5-10 min duration) during AM rounds, unprovoked by staff interactions, with negative UDS.
Explanation
The good example provides specific behaviors, context, and validation through negative tests.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Erratic Behavior? Ask your questions below.

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