Pervasive and specific developmental disorders
ICD-10 Codes (17)
F81F81.0F81.2F81.8F81.81F81.89F81.9F82F84F84.0F84.2F84.3F84.5F84.8F84.9F88F89Updates & 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 F80-F89 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 F80-F89 pertains to pervasive and specific developmental disorders. These codes are used to categorize conditions characterized by delays or deviations in the development of functions that are strongly related to biological maturation of the central nervous system. This includes disorders such as specific developmental disorders of speech and language, scholastic skills, motor function, and pervasive developmental disorders.
Key Usage Points:
- •F80 codes are used for specific developmental disorders of speech and language.
- •F81 codes denote specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills.
- •F82 is used for specific developmental disorder of motor function.
- •F84 codes are used for pervasive developmental disorders.
- •F88 and F89 codes are used for other and unspecified developmental disorders.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, use F84.0.
- ✓For a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, use F84.5.
- ✓When a patient has a specific reading disorder, use F81.0.
- ✓For a diagnosis of childhood disintegrative disorder, use F84.3.
- ✓When a patient has a specific spelling disorder, use F81.81.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗Do not use F80-F89 codes for conditions due to known physiological conditions.
- ✗Do not use these codes for conditions related to mental retardation.
- ✗These codes should not be used for emotional disorders with onset specific to childhood.
- ✗Do not use these codes for hyperkinetic disorders.
- ✗These codes should not be used for mood [affective] disorders.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions against the patient's medical record and the latest version of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for F80-F89 codes should provide a comprehensive view of the patient's condition. It should include the specific developmental disorder, its severity, and any associated conditions or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Severity of the disorder
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Impact on patient's daily life
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical evaluation
- •Psychological tests
- •Educational reports
- •Speech and language assessments
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84.0) with significant language impairment and repetitive behaviors.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has developmental disorder.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of disorder
- ⚠Not indicating the severity of the disorder
- ⚠Omitting associated conditions or complications
- ⚠Lack of supporting evidence
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for F80-F89 requires a good understanding of the specific developmental disorder and its severity. It also requires careful consideration of associated conditions or complications. Navigating code exclusions and keeping up-to-date with changes in coding guidelines add to the complexity.
Key Factors:
- ▸Understanding the specific developmental disorder
- ▸Determining the severity of the disorder
- ▸Identifying associated conditions or complications
- ▸Navigating code exclusions
- ▸Keeping up-to-date with changes in coding guidelines
Specialty Focus
F80-F89 codes are primarily used by psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatricians. They are also used by speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder presenting with severe language impairment.
- • An adolescent diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome struggling with social interactions.
- • A child with a specific reading disorder having difficulty in school.
- • A child diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder showing regression in skills.
- • An adolescent with a specific spelling disorder struggling with written assignments.
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coding F80-F89. These include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, clinical reference books, and educational materials.
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, 10th Revision (ICD-10)
Clinical References:
- Clinical reference books on pervasive and specific developmental disorders
- Journal articles on the latest research in developmental disorders
Educational Materials:
- Coding training manuals
- Online coding courses
- Webinars on coding developmental disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
Can F80-F89 codes be used for adults?
Yes, while these disorders often have onset in childhood, they can persist into adulthood. The codes can be used for adults if the disorder is still present.
How do I code for severity of the disorder?
The ICD-10 does not provide specific codes for severity. This should be documented in the patient's medical record.
Can I use multiple F80-F89 codes for a single patient?
Yes, if the patient has multiple developmental disorders, each should be coded separately.