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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disordersF70

F70

Billable

Mild intellectual disabilities

Chapter 5:Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 F70 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of mild intellectual disabilities.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Mild intellectual disabilities, classified under ICD-10 code F70, refer to a condition characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, typically with an IQ range of 50-70. Individuals with mild intellectual disabilities often exhibit developmental delays in areas such as language, motor skills, and social interactions. These delays can impact their ability to perform daily living tasks and engage in age-appropriate activities. While they may achieve some level of independence, they often require support in educational settings and daily life. The condition is usually identified during childhood, often through standardized testing and developmental assessments. Early intervention programs focusing on education, social skills, and vocational training can significantly enhance the quality of life for these individuals. Support needs vary widely, with some individuals requiring minimal assistance while others may need more structured support to navigate daily challenges. Understanding the nuances of mild intellectual disabilities is crucial for providing appropriate care and resources.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in IQ testing and interpretation
  • Differentiation from other developmental disorders
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of adaptive functioning
  • Potential overlap with other mental health diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of IQ scores
  • Failure to document adaptive functioning assessments
  • Misclassification with other intellectual disabilities
  • Lack of evidence for support needs

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive psychological evaluations, including IQ testing and adaptive behavior assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of cognitive functioning in children and adults, treatment planning, and monitoring progress.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all assessments are current and reflect the individual's functioning level.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Developmental milestones tracking, family history, and educational assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine developmental screenings, referrals for special education services, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

Billing Considerations

Document any interventions or referrals made to support the child's development.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F70 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, F70 should be used when the individual has a confirmed diagnosis of mild intellectual disabilities, supported by appropriate assessments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F70 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that may mimic or overlap with intellectual disabilities, such as specific learning disorders

Related CPT Codes

96110CPT Code

Developmental screening, with interpretation and report

Clinical Scenario

Used during routine pediatric visits to assess developmental milestones.

Documentation Requirements

Document the screening tool used and results.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should ensure that screenings are age-appropriate.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of intellectual disabilities, enabling better tracking of prevalence and resource allocation for affected individuals. It emphasizes the importance of detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of intellectual disabilities, enabling better tracking of prevalence and resource allocation for affected individuals. It emphasizes the importance of detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of intellectual disabilities, enabling better tracking of prevalence and resource allocation for affected individuals. It emphasizes the importance of detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mild intellectual disabilities and other types of intellectual disabilities?

Mild intellectual disabilities are characterized by an IQ range of 50-70 and typically involve some level of adaptive functioning. In contrast, moderate and severe intellectual disabilities involve more significant impairments in cognitive and adaptive skills.