ICD-10 Coding for Intellectual Disability(F70, F71)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Intellectual Disability. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Intellectual Disability
F70-F79Primary Range
Intellectual Disabilities
This range covers all levels of intellectual disability, from mild to profound.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F70 | Mild intellectual disabilities | Use when the patient has an IQ score between 50-69 and mild adaptive deficits. |
|
| F71 | Moderate intellectual disabilities | Use when the patient has an IQ score between 35-49 and moderate adaptive deficits. |
|
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 mild intellectual disability
Essential facts and insights about Intellectual Disability
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intellectual disability
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- IQ score between 50-69
documentation Criteria
- Documented adaptive deficits in at least two domains
Applicable To
- IQ 50-69
- Mild adaptive deficits
Clinical Validation Requirements
- IQ score between 50-69
- Deficits in at least two adaptive domains
Code-Specific Risks
- Inadequate documentation of adaptive deficits
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation includes both IQ score and adaptive functioning details.
F71 - Moderate intellectual disabilities
Use when the patient has an IQ score between 35-49 and moderate adaptive deficits.
Applicable To
- IQ 35-49
- Moderate adaptive deficits
Excludes
- Severe intellectual disabilities (F72)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- IQ score between 35-49
- Deficits in adaptive functioning
Coding Notes
Ensure severity level is accurately documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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 representation of patient's functional abilities., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure adaptive behavior assessments are completed and documented.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation supports the specific code used, including IQ and adaptive scores.
Impact
High audit risk when using unspecified codes without supporting documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Provide detailed documentation of IQ and adaptive 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 Intellectual Disability, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Intellectual Disability
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Intellectual Disability. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial diagnosis of intellectual disability
Specialty: PediatricsRequired Elements
- Patient history
- IQ test results
- Adaptive behavior assessment
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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