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ICD-10 Coding for Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia(G31.84, F02.80)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

MCI due to DementiaCognitive Decline in Dementia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia

G30-G31Primary Range

Diseases of the nervous system, specifically Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases

This range includes codes for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, which are relevant for coding MCI due to dementia.

Mental and behavioral disorders, specifically dementia

This range includes codes for dementia, which are used in conjunction with MCI codes when dementia is present.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G31.84Mild cognitive impairment, so statedUse when cognitive decline is present without significant functional impairment.
  • Standardized test scores (MoCA 18–25, MMSE 20–26)
  • No functional impairment per FAQ/IADL
F02.80Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbanceUse when dementia is confirmed with functional impairment.
  • Etiology specified (e.g., 'Due to Alzheimer’s')
  • CDR = 0.5–1.0
  • FAQ ≥9

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 cognitive impairment due to dementia

Essential facts and insights about Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia

Mild cognitive impairment due to dementia is coded with G31.84, with additional codes for underlying conditions if dementia is present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mild cognitive impairment due to dementia

Mild cognitive impairment, so stated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Cognitive decline without functional impairment

coding Criteria

  • Use G31.84 when MCI is documented without dementia

Applicable To

  • Age-related cognitive decline

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Standardized test scores (MoCA 18–25, MMSE 20–26)
  • No functional impairment per FAQ/IADL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect sequencing if dementia is also present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the absence of functional impairment.

Ancillary Codes

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

Age-related cognitive decline

R41.81
Use to indicate age-related decline when MCI is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbance

F02.80
Use when dementia is confirmed with functional impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment, so stated

G31.84
Use when cognitive decline is present without significant functional impairment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G31.84.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific etiology.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the underlying condition first, followed by dementia or MCI.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of cognitive assessments.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all cognitive evaluations are documented with specific 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 Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Cognitive test scores
  • Functional assessment
  • Etiology documentation

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has memory issues. Continue current plan.
Good Documentation Example
Cognitive Status: MoCA 21/30 (↓ delayed recall, visuospatial). CDR Global Score: 0.5 (memory box = 0.5). FAQ score: 4/30 (mild difficulty with complex tasks). Etiology: MRI shows hippocampal atrophy; amyloid PET positive. Diagnosis: Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (G30.1, F02.80).
Explanation
The good example provides specific test scores and functional assessments, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Dementia? Ask your questions below.

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