Intellectual disabilities
ICD-10 Codes (5)
Updates & 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 F70-F79 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 F70-F79 covers Intellectual Disabilities. These codes are used to document various levels of intellectual disability, from mild to profound. The codes also cover other intellectual disabilities that do not fit into these categories. The range is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for coding intellectual disabilities, allowing for accurate documentation and tracking of patient conditions.
Key Usage Points:
- •F70-F73 codes are used to document varying degrees of intellectual disability, from mild to severe.
- •F74 is used for severe intellectual disability.
- •F78 and F79 are used for other and unspecified intellectual disabilities respectively.
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Consider additional codes to identify any associated physical or behavioral manifestations.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with an intellectual disability.
- ✓When a patient's intellectual disability is a relevant factor in their current medical treatment.
- ✓When a patient's intellectual disability affects their ability to participate in health-related activities.
- ✓When a patient's intellectual disability is a contributing factor to another health condition.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a learning disorder but not an intellectual disability.
- ✗When a patient has a developmental delay without a specified intellectual disability.
- ✗When a patient has a mental health disorder but not an intellectual disability.
- ✗When the patient's condition is temporary or due to a physical injury.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for intellectual disabilities should include the type and severity of the disability, any associated conditions or manifestations, and how the disability affects the patient's health and daily life. Documentation should be clear, concise, and specific.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of intellectual disability
- •Severity of the disability
- •Associated conditions or manifestations
- •Impact on the patient's health and daily life
- •Relevant medical history
Supporting Evidence:
- •Psychological evaluations
- •Educational assessments
- •Therapy or treatment notes
- •Patient self-reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability. Disability affects patient's ability to perform daily tasks independently. Patient also has associated speech delay.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has intellectual disability.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type or severity of the disability
- ⚠Not documenting associated conditions or manifestations
- ⚠Not describing how the disability affects the patient's health or daily life
- ⚠Using outdated or non-specific terminology
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for intellectual disabilities can be moderately complex. It requires a thorough understanding of the disability, including its severity and impact on the patient's health. Coders must also be able to identify and code any associated conditions or manifestations. Additionally, they must stay current with changes in terminology and guidelines, and navigate exclusions and overlapping conditions.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the severity of the disability
- ▸Identifying and coding associated conditions or manifestations
- ▸Keeping up with changes in terminology and guidelines
- ▸Navigating exclusions and overlapping conditions
Specialty Focus
Intellectual disability codes are most commonly used in psychiatry, neurology, and pediatrics. They can also be relevant in other specialties when the disability affects the patient's health or treatment.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with Down syndrome and moderate intellectual disability is being evaluated for a heart condition.
- • A patient with severe intellectual disability is being treated for epilepsy.
- • A pediatric patient is diagnosed with mild intellectual disability and speech delay.
- • A patient with profound intellectual disability is being evaluated for placement in a residential care facility.
- • A patient with unspecified intellectual disability is being treated for depression.
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coding intellectual disabilities. These include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference books and journals, and educational materials from coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
- World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
Clinical References:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
- American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) resources
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use F70-F79 codes for learning disorders?
No, learning disorders have their own specific codes (F81) and should not be coded within the F70-F79 range.
How do I determine the severity of the intellectual disability?
The severity of the intellectual disability should be determined by the clinician based on psychological evaluations, educational assessments, and other relevant information.