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ICD-10 Coding for Forgetfulness(F04.0, G30.1)

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

Also known as:

Memory LossAmnesiaCognitive Decline

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Forgetfulness

F04-F09Primary Range

Mental disorders due to known physiological conditions

This range includes codes for forgetfulness due to physiological causes.

Other degenerative diseases of the nervous system

Includes Alzheimer's disease, which can cause forgetfulness.

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

Includes codes for unspecified memory loss and cognitive symptoms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F04.0Amnestic disorder due to known physiological conditionUse when forgetfulness is due to a known physiological condition.
  • Documented physiological cause such as medication or injury
  • Cognitive assessments like MMSE or MoCA
G30.1Alzheimer's disease with late onsetUse for late-onset Alzheimer's with documented cognitive decline.
  • MRI showing hippocampal atrophy
  • MoCA score ≤20

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 forgetfulness

Essential facts and insights about Forgetfulness

The ICD-10 code for forgetfulness varies by cause: F04.0 for physiological causes, R41.3 for unspecified memory loss.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for forgetfulness

Amnestic disorder due to known physiological condition
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a documented physiological cause

Applicable To

  • Memory loss due to medication toxicity
  • Memory loss due to traumatic brain injury

Excludes

  • Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere (F02.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented physiological cause such as medication or injury
  • Cognitive assessments like MMSE or MoCA

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without a documented physiological cause

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the physiological cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other amnesia

R41.3
Use when forgetfulness is transient or unspecified.

Encounter for examination for normal comparison and control in clinical research program

Z00.6
Use for cognitive screening encounters.

Differential Codes

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

Amnestic disorder due to psychological condition

F04.1
Use F04.1 when forgetfulness is due to psychological factors like stress.

Mild cognitive impairment

G31.84
Use G31.84 for mild cognitive impairment without significant ADL impact.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Forgetfulness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F04.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'anterograde amnesia', Include cognitive assessment results

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F04.0 when a physiological cause is documented.

Impact

Failure to document severity can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized scales like CDR and MoCA.

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

Documentation Templates for Forgetfulness

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

Progressive forgetfulness in elderly patient

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Cognitive assessment scores
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

**Assessment**: Late-onset Alzheimer’s dementia (G30.1), moderate severity (CDR 2), with agitation and wandering (F02.B2). Supported by CSF biomarkers (elevated tau/p-tau) and PET scan showing amyloid-beta deposition.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Memory issues noted.
Good Documentation Example
Anterograde amnesia (R41.1) with inability to retain new information x6 months. MoCA 20/30, CT head negative for acute changes.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of amnesia, duration, and cognitive assessment results.

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

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