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ICD-10 Coding for Reactive Attachment Disorder(F94.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Reactive Attachment Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

RADAttachment Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Reactive Attachment Disorder

F90-F98Primary Range

Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence

This range includes disorders like RAD that manifest in childhood with specific behavioral and emotional symptoms.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for reactive attachment disorder

Essential facts and insights about Reactive Attachment Disorder

The ICD-10 code for reactive attachment disorder is F94.1, covering both inhibited and disinhibited types.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for reactive attachment disorder

Reactive attachment disorder of childhood
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Child shows inhibited social behaviors and has a history of neglect.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented evidence of severe neglect or multiple caregiver changes.

Applicable To

  • Inhibited type
  • Disinhibited type

Excludes

  • Disinhibited attachment disorder (F94.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Persistent failure to initiate or respond to social interactions
  • History of grossly pathological care

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with disinhibited social engagement disorder

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific behaviors and history of care to support the diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified protein-energy malnutrition

E43
Use if the child also presents with failure to thrive.

Differential Codes

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

Disinhibited attachment disorder

F94.2
Characterized by indiscriminate sociability and lack of selectivity in attachment figures.

Asperger’s syndrome

F84.5
Distinguished by pervasive developmental disorder features, not primarily attachment issues.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Reactive Attachment Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F94.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards for coding., Financial: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language from DSM-5 criteria., Detail the child's caregiving history and specific behaviors.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify if the behavior is inhibited (RAD) or disinhibited (F94.2).

Impact

Lack of detailed care history can lead to audit failures.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of the child's caregiving history.

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 Reactive Attachment Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Reactive Attachment Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Reactive Attachment Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Child with inhibited social behaviors and history of neglect

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Observed behaviors
  • Caregiver interactions
  • Assessment tool results

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child has attachment issues.
Good Documentation Example
Child persistently fails to seek comfort from caregivers when injured; history of 3 foster placements before age 2.
Explanation
The good example provides specific behaviors and a detailed history, supporting the RAD diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Reactive Attachment Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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