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ICD-10 Coding for Impaired Memory(F03.91, G30.0)

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

Also known as:

Memory LossCognitive Impairment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Impaired Memory

F01-F09Primary Range

Mental disorders due to known physiological conditions

This range includes codes for dementia and other cognitive impairments related to physiological conditions.

Other degenerative diseases of the nervous system

This range includes codes for Alzheimer's disease, which is a common cause of impaired memory.

Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness

This range includes codes for symptoms like memory loss that do not have a specified cause.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F03.91Unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbanceUse when dementia is present with behavioral disturbances and no specific type is documented.
  • Cognitive testing shows MMSE ≤24
  • Functional assessment documents ADL impairment
G30.0Alzheimer's disease with early onsetUse when Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in patients under 65 with early onset symptoms.
  • Biomarker confirmation (CSF tau/Aβ42 ratio <0.75)
  • Documentation of insidious onset

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 impaired memory

Essential facts and insights about Impaired Memory

The ICD-10 code for unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbance, which includes impaired memory, is F03.91.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for impaired memory

Unspecified dementia with behavioral disturbance
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of behavioral disturbances in dementia

Applicable To

  • Dementia with behavioral disturbance

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Cognitive testing shows MMSE ≤24
  • Functional assessment documents ADL impairment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if behaviors are not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure behavioral disturbances are clearly documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Anterograde amnesia

R41.1
Use when specific memory loss is documented without a broader dementia diagnosis.

Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders

Z86.59
Use when documenting a history of dementia that is no longer active.

Differential Codes

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

Delirium

F05
Delirium is acute and fluctuating, often with a clear cause, unlike dementia.

Vascular dementia with agitation

F01.C11
Vascular dementia is associated with cerebrovascular disease and often follows a stroke.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Impaired Memory to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F03.91.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all behavioral symptoms are documented, Use structured templates for consistency

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on dementia prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies dementia with memory impairment.

Impact

Lack of specific documentation for behavioral symptoms can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized documentation templates.

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

Documentation Templates for Impaired Memory

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Cognitive testing results
  • Functional impact
  • Behavioral symptoms

Example Documentation

Cognitive Status: MMSE: 22/30, Orientation: 8/10, Recall: 2/3. Functional Assessment: Requires assistance with medication management. Behavioral Symptoms: Agitation during dressing.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has memory problems.
Good Documentation Example
MoCA score 18/30 with impaired 5-word recall. Requires caregiver assistance for medication administration.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test scores and functional impacts, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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