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ICD-10 Coding for Restlessness(R45.1)

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

Also known as:

AgitationPsychomotor Agitation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Restlessness

R40-R46Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior

This range includes codes for symptoms like restlessness, which are not attributed to a specific mental disorder.

Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders

This range includes codes for mental health conditions that may cause or be associated with restlessness.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for restlessness

Essential facts and insights about Restlessness

The ICD-10 code for restlessness is R45.1, used when restlessness is not attributed to a specific mental disorder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for restlessness

Restlessness and agitation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of restlessness without a definitive mental disorder

coding Criteria

  • Use as secondary to a primary diagnosis when applicable

Applicable To

  • Agitation
  • Restlessness

Excludes

  • Anxiety disorders (F41.-)
  • Delirium (F05)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented episodes of pacing, hand-wringing, or verbal outbursts
  • Duration and triggers of restlessness
  • Exclusion of underlying conditions like anxiety or delirium

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using as a primary diagnosis when a definitive condition exists

Coding Notes

  • Ensure restlessness is documented with specific behaviors and context.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dementia with agitation

F03.A11
Use as primary when dementia is confirmed and restlessness is a symptom.

Differential Codes

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

Generalized anxiety disorder

F41.1
Use F41.1 when restlessness is due to anxiety, meeting DSM-5 criteria.

Delirium, not induced by alcohol and other psychoactive substances

F05
Use F05 when restlessness is part of delirium symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Restlessness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R45.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misinterpretation of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific and detailed descriptions, Link symptoms to underlying conditions when applicable

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and code the underlying condition as primary, using R45.1 as secondary if needed.

Impact

Using R45.1 as a primary diagnosis when a definitive condition exists.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure proper sequencing with primary diagnosis codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Restlessness

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

Inpatient Psychiatry Assessment

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Behavioral observations
  • Duration and frequency of restlessness
  • Triggers and context

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits pacing and verbal outbursts lasting 20 minutes post-medication.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient agitated.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibited pacing, hand-wringing, and verbal outbursts lasting 20 minutes post-medication.
Explanation
The good example provides specific behaviors, duration, and context, which are essential for accurate documentation.

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

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