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ICD-10 Coding for Global Developmental Delay(F88)

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

Also known as:

GDDDevelopmental Delay

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Global Developmental Delay

F80-F89Primary Range

Pervasive and specific developmental disorders

This range includes codes for developmental delays and disorders, including global developmental delay.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for global developmental delay

Essential facts and insights about Global Developmental Delay

The ICD-10 code for global developmental delay is F88, applicable to children under 5 with delays in multiple developmental domains.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for global developmental delay

Other disorders of psychological development
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Delays in two or more developmental domains in children under 5 years.

documentation Criteria

  • Specific documentation of affected domains and standardized test results.

Applicable To

  • Global developmental delay

Excludes

  • Intellectual disabilities (F70-F79)
  • Autism spectrum disorders (F84.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Delays in two or more developmental domains
  • Standardized test results showing significant delays

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for children over 5 years
  • Lack of specific domain documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the developmental domains affected and includes results from standardized assessments.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified lack of expected normal physiological development

R62.50
Use when specific criteria for F88 are not met.

Specific developmental disorder of motor function

F82
Use for isolated motor delays without other domain involvement.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified intellectual disabilities

F79
Use F79 for confirmed intellectual disabilities in children over 5 years.

Autism spectrum disorder

F84.0
Use F84.0 when autism is the primary diagnosis with specific social and behavioral criteria.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Global Developmental Delay to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F88.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Provide specific examples of developmental milestones not met., Include results from standardized assessments.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Transition to F79 after age 5 when intellectual disability is confirmed.

Impact

Lack of specific domain documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all affected domains are clearly documented with supporting 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 Global Developmental Delay, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Global Developmental Delay

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

Pediatric Developmental Assessment

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Developmental history
  • Standardized test results
  • Specific domains affected

Example Documentation

Child exhibits global developmental delay (F88) with Bayley-III scores >2 SD below mean in fine motor and receptive language.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child has developmental delays.
Good Documentation Example
Child exhibits global developmental delay (F88) with Bayley-III scores >2 SD below mean in fine motor (scaled score 6) and receptive language (scaled score 7).
Explanation
The good example specifies the domains affected and includes standardized test results, providing clear justification for the code.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Global Developmental Delay? Ask your questions below.

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