Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence
ICD-10 Codes (34)
F91F91.0F91.1F91.2F91.3F91.8F91.9F93F93.0F93.8F93.9F94F94.0F94.1F94.2F94.8F94.9F95F95.0F95.1F95.2F95.8F95.9F98F98.0F98.1F98.2F98.21F98.29F98.3F98.4F98.5F98.8F98.9Updates & 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 F90-F98 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 category F90-F98 includes codes for behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence. These codes cover a wide range of conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (F90), conduct disorders (F91), emotional disorders with onset specific to childhood (F93), and tic disorders (F95), among others. These codes are used to document diagnoses in medical records, facilitate billing and reimbursement, and enable data collection for research and public health purposes.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Use additional codes, if necessary, to identify any associated neurological or medical conditions.
- •For encounters for counseling or testing for these conditions, consider Z codes.
- •Remember that some conditions have both underlying and symptom codes and may require two codes.
- •When coding for outpatient services, code the diagnosis for which the service was provided.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a child presents with symptoms of ADHD and a diagnosis is confirmed.
- ✓When a patient has a documented diagnosis of conduct disorder.
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with an emotional disorder with onset specific to childhood.
- ✓When a patient has a tic disorder, such as Tourette’s syndrome.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the condition is not confirmed or is ruled out.
- ✗When the condition is not the reason for the encounter.
- ✗When the patient is only at risk for the condition, but it has not been diagnosed.
- ✗When the condition has been previously diagnosed but is not currently relevant to the patient’s health status.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10-CM manual before coding.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in the F90-F98 range should be comprehensive and specific. It should include the type of disorder, its severity, and any relevant details about the patient’s symptoms and behaviors. The documentation should also include information about the onset and duration of the disorder, as well as any associated conditions.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Severity of the disorder
- •Onset and duration of the disorder
- •Patient’s symptoms and behaviors
- •Associated conditions
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical notes
- •Psychiatric evaluations
- •Behavioral assessments
- •Family and school reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with moderate conduct disorder, onset in early childhood. Exhibits aggressive behavior towards peers and authority figures. Also diagnosed with learning disability.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has behavior problems.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not coding to the highest level of specificity
- ⚠Not documenting the severity of the disorder
- ⚠Not including associated conditions in the documentation
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for behavioral and emotional disorders can be complex due to the need to accurately identify the specific type and severity of the disorder, as well as any associated conditions. Additionally, these disorders often involve nuanced symptoms and behaviors that can be challenging to code accurately.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of disorder
- ▸Identifying the severity of the disorder
- ▸Recognizing and coding for associated conditions
- ▸Understanding the nuances of behavioral and emotional disorders
Specialty Focus
Codes in the F90-F98 range are primarily used by psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatricians. They are also used by school psychologists and other professionals who work with children and adolescents.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A child with ADHD who is having difficulty focusing in school.
- • An adolescent with conduct disorder who is exhibiting aggressive behavior.
- • A child with an emotional disorder who is experiencing excessive fear or worry.
- • An adolescent with a tic disorder who is experiencing involuntary movements or sounds.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding behavioral and emotional disorders, including the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and various coding handbooks and online resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) coding resources
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry resources
- American Psychological Association resources
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM coding handbooks
- Online coding courses and webinars
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the F90-F98 range if the patient’s condition is not confirmed?
No, these codes should only be used for confirmed diagnoses. If the condition is suspected or ruled out, use a code from the Z03-Z04 categories.
What if the patient has more than one condition from the F90-F98 range?
If the patient has more than one condition from this range, code each condition separately. If the conditions are related, use the code for the combined condition, if available.