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ICD-10 Coding for Mild Intellectual Disability(F70)

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

Also known as:

Mild Mental RetardationMild Cognitive Impairment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Intellectual Disability

F70-F79Primary Range

Intellectual Disabilities

This range includes all levels of intellectual disabilities, with F70 specifically for mild cases.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for mild intellectual disability

Essential facts and insights about Mild Intellectual Disability

The ICD-10 code for mild intellectual disability is F70, requiring IQ scores between 50-69 and adaptive deficits.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for intellectual disability mild

Mild intellectual disabilities
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • IQ score between 50-69 and adaptive deficits in at least two domains.

coding Criteria

  • Exclude if IQ is above 70 without adaptive deficits.

Applicable To

  • Mild mental retardation

Excludes

  • Borderline intellectual functioning (R41.83)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IQ score between 50-69
  • Adaptive functioning deficits in at least two domains
  • Onset before age 18

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect coding without documented IQ and adaptive functioning assessments.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific IQ scores and adaptive functioning assessments.

Ancillary Codes

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

Down syndrome, unspecified

Q90.9
Use alongside F70 when Down syndrome is present.

Differential Codes

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

Borderline intellectual functioning

R41.83
Use R41.83 for IQ scores between 71-84 without adaptive deficits.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild Intellectual Disability to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F70.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential for audit and compliance issues., Financial: Denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include IQ test results in documentation., Verify adaptive functioning assessments are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes IQ test results and adaptive functioning assessments.

Impact

Incomplete documentation can lead to audit risks.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all required elements are documented, including IQ and adaptive functioning scores.

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 Mild Intellectual Disability, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mild Intellectual Disability

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • IQ test results
  • Adaptive functioning scores
  • Developmental history
  • Rule-out tests

Example Documentation

**Assessment**: F70 - Mild intellectual disability **Supporting Data**: - Intellectual: WISC-V FSIQ 62 (Verbal 58, Performance 64) - Adaptive: Vineland-3 composite 68 (Conceptual 65, Social 70, Practical 63) - Onset: Delayed speech (first words at 3.5 years), special education since age 6 - Rule-outs: Normal MRI (12/2024), negative Fragile X testing

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
"Mild ID, needs support"
Good Documentation Example
"F70 confirmed by WPPSI-IV FSIQ 59 (language 55, visuospatial 62) and SIB-R self-care domain at 6.2-year equivalency (chronological age 14)"
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and adaptive functioning scores, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mild Intellectual Disability? Ask your questions below.

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