Behavioral syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors
ICD-10 Codes (44)
F51F51.0F51.01F51.02F51.03F51.04F51.05F51.09F51.1F51.11F51.12F51.13F51.19F51.3F51.4F51.5F51.8F51.9F52F52.0F52.1F52.2F52.21F52.22F52.3F52.31F52.32F52.4F52.5F52.6F52.8F52.9F53F53.0F53.1F54F55F55.0F55.1F55.2F55.3F55.4F55.8F59Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (2)
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for F50-F59 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range F50-F59, 'Behavioral syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors', is used to document conditions where physical health issues are significantly affected by behavioral factors. This includes eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, and other conditions where physiological disturbances are linked to mental and behavioral patterns. These codes are used across various medical specialties, including psychiatry, neurology, and primary care.
Key Usage Points:
- •F50-F59 codes are used when a patient's physical health is significantly affected by behavioral factors.
- •These codes cover a wide range of conditions, including eating disorders, sleep disorders, and sexual dysfunction.
- •F50-F59 codes are used across various medical specialties, including psychiatry, neurology, and primary care.
- •Documentation should clearly link the physical disturbance to the behavioral syndrome.
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity within the F50-F59 range.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient has an eating disorder that is causing physical health issues.
- ✓When a patient has a sleep disorder that is significantly affecting their daily life.
- ✓When a patient has sexual dysfunction that is linked to a behavioral syndrome.
- ✓When a patient's physical health issue is significantly affected by a mental or behavioral disorder.
- ✓When a patient has a mental or behavioral disorder that is causing a physical disturbance.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a physical health issue that is not significantly affected by a behavioral syndrome.
- ✗When a patient has a mental or behavioral disorder that is not causing a physical disturbance.
- ✗When a patient's condition can be better described by a code outside the F50-F59 range.
- ✗When a patient's condition is due to substance abuse or dependence.
- ✗When a patient's condition is due to a neurological disorder.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10 guidelines and the patient's medical record.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for the F50-F59 range should clearly link the patient's physical disturbance to a behavioral syndrome. This includes a detailed description of the patient's symptoms, the impact of the condition on the patient's daily life, and any relevant medical history. Documentation should also include any diagnostic tests or treatments that have been performed, as well as the patient's response to treatment.
Clinical Information:
- •Detailed description of the patient's symptoms
- •Impact of the condition on the patient's daily life
- •Relevant medical history
- •Diagnostic tests or treatments performed
- •Patient's response to treatment
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical notes
- •Diagnostic test results
- •Treatment records
- •Patient self-reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. She has lost significant weight and is experiencing physical health issues as a result. She has a history of body image issues and has been receiving counseling.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has lost weight.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not linking the physical disturbance to a behavioral syndrome
- âš Not documenting the impact of the condition on the patient's daily life
- âš Not including relevant medical history
- âš Not documenting diagnostic tests or treatments performed
- âš Not documenting the patient's response to treatment
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The coding complexity for the F50-F59 range is rated as medium. This is due to the need to determine the link between the physical disturbance and the behavioral syndrome, the wide range of conditions covered by these codes, and the need to navigate the exclusions for this range. Additionally, coders must stay up-to-date with the latest ICD-10 guidelines for these codes.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the link between the physical disturbance and the behavioral syndrome
- â–¸Coding to the highest level of specificity within the F50-F59 range
- â–¸Understanding the various conditions covered by the F50-F59 range
- â–¸Navigating the exclusions for the F50-F59 range
- â–¸Keeping up-to-date with the latest ICD-10 guidelines for the F50-F59 range
Specialty Focus
The F50-F59 range is used across various medical specialties, including psychiatry, neurology, and primary care. It is particularly relevant for psychiatrists and psychologists who treat patients with conditions where physical health issues are significantly affected by behavioral factors.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with anorexia nervosa who is experiencing physical health issues as a result of significant weight loss.
- • A patient with insomnia who is experiencing significant daytime fatigue and impaired functioning.
- • A patient with sexual dysfunction that is linked to a behavioral syndrome.
- • A patient with a mental or behavioral disorder that is causing a physical disturbance, such as a psychosomatic disorder.
- • A patient with a physical health issue that is significantly affected by a mental or behavioral disorder, such as a stress-related disorder.
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coders working with the F50-F59 range. These include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- The official ICD-10-CM guidelines for coding and reporting
- The American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) coding resources
- The American Academy of Professional Coders' (AAPC) coding resources
Clinical References:
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
- The American Psychiatric Association's (APA) clinical practice guidelines
Educational Materials:
- The AHIMA's ICD-10-CM coding workbook
- The AAPC's ICD-10-CM coding training course
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the F50-F59 range and the F10-F19 range?
The F50-F59 range is used for conditions where physical health issues are significantly affected by behavioral factors, while the F10-F19 range is used for conditions related to substance abuse or dependence.