Unspecified mental disorder
ICD-10 Codes (0)
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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 F99-F99 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 F99-F99, Unspecified mental disorder, is used when a patient presents with a mental disorder, but the specific condition is not documented. This code is typically a last resort, used when the clinician has not provided enough information to assign a more specific code. It covers all mental disorders, not classified elsewhere.
Key Usage Points:
- •This code is used when the specific mental disorder is not specified in the documentation.
- •F99 should not be used if a more specific code can be assigned.
- •F99 is not used for temporary mental disorders due to known physiological conditions.
- •This code is not used for mental retardation (F70-F79).
- •F99 should not be used if the patient is in remission.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but the specific condition is not documented.
- ✓When the patient's mental disorder is known, but not classified elsewhere in ICD-10.
- ✓When the patient's mental disorder is unspecified due to lack of information in the medical record.
- ✓When the patient's mental disorder is unspecified due to inconclusive diagnostic results.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's mental disorder is specified in the documentation.
- ✗When the patient's mental disorder is temporary and due to a known physiological condition.
- ✗When the patient's mental disorder is mental retardation.
- ✗When the patient's mental disorder is in remission.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the latest version of ICD-10.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for F99 should include a clear description of the patient's symptoms and any diagnostic tests performed. The clinician should also document why a more specific diagnosis could not be made.
Clinical Information:
- •Description of the patient's symptoms
- •Results of any diagnostic tests
- •Reason why a more specific diagnosis could not be made
- •Any relevant medical history
- •Any relevant family history
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical notes
- •Lab reports
- •Imaging reports
- •Consultation notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder. Diagnostic tests were inconclusive. A more specific diagnosis could not be made at this time.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a mental disorder.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not documenting the reason why a more specific diagnosis could not be made
- ⚠Not including enough detail about the patient's symptoms
- ⚠Not including results of diagnostic tests
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for F99 can be complex due to the need to determine when to use this code versus a more specific code. Coders must also understand the exclusions for F99 and verify the information in the patient's medical record. Additionally, keeping up to date with changes to ICD-10 can add to the complexity.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining when to use F99 versus a more specific code
- ▸Understanding the exclusions for F99
- ▸Verifying the information in the patient's medical record
- ▸Keeping up to date with changes to ICD-10
Specialty Focus
F99 is most commonly used by psychiatrists and psychologists. It may also be used by primary care providers when a patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but a more specific diagnosis cannot be made.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but diagnostic tests are inconclusive.
- • A patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but the specific condition is not documented.
- • A patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but the clinician is unable to make a more specific diagnosis.
- • A patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but the condition is not classified elsewhere in ICD-10.
Resources & References
Resources for coding F99 include the latest version of ICD-10, clinical coding tools, and professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Clinical References:
- American Psychiatric Association (APA)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10 coding training courses
- Medical coding webinars
- Coding clinics
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use F99?
F99 should be used when a patient presents with symptoms of a mental disorder, but the specific condition is not documented or cannot be classified elsewhere in ICD-10.