ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAutism

Autism

ICD-10 Coding for Autism(F84.0, F84.5)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYPediatrics
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Autism?
Essential facts and insights about Autism

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts.
  • Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
  • Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Comprehensive developmental history and current functioning.
  • Use of standardized assessment tools (e.g., ADOS, CARS).
  • Detailed descriptions of behavior patterns and social interactions.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use specific codes based on the severity and type of autism spectrum disorder.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying autism types or failing to document behavioral assessments.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excluded conditions: Intellectual disability (F70-F79), social communication disorder (F80.89).
  • Alternative codes: Consider F84.9 for unspecified pervasive developmental disorder.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
F84.0
Autistic disorder
F84.1
Asperger's syndrome
F84.5
Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified
Ancillary Codes
F80.2
F84.0
when language disorder is present.
Differential Codes
F84.2
F84.5
F84.0

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Pediatrics

Specialty Applications

  • Patient populations: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Clinical settings: Pediatric clinics, developmental pediatric practices, and multidisciplinary assessment centers.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

Documentation must include developmental history, behavioral assessments, and clinical observations.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on specific diagnosis and include necessary modifiers for services rendered.