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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF03.918

F03.918

Billable

Unspecified dementia, unspecified severity, with other behavioral disturbance

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F03.918 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified dementia, unspecified severity, with other behavioral disturbance.

Key Diagnostic Point:

F03.918 refers to a diagnosis of unspecified dementia characterized by cognitive decline that is not attributed to a specific type of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. This code is used when the severity of the dementia is not clearly defined, and the patient exhibits behavioral disturbances that may include agitation, aggression, or mood swings. Behavioral disturbances can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and complicate caregiving. The diagnosis may arise from various underlying causes, including neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injuries, or other medical conditions. Accurate assessment of cognitive function is essential, often involving standardized tests to evaluate memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Caregiver support is crucial, as caregivers often face challenges in managing behavioral symptoms and ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient. This code is important for capturing the complexity of dementia cases that do not fit neatly into established categories, allowing for appropriate treatment and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in dementia type and severity
  • Variability in behavioral symptoms among patients
  • Need for comprehensive cognitive assessment documentation
  • Potential overlap with other dementia-related codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of cognitive assessments
  • Failure to specify behavioral disturbances
  • Misclassification of dementia type
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on patient status

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed cognitive assessments, behavioral observations, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists should document the progression of symptoms and any neuroimaging results.

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Mental status examinations, history of behavioral disturbances, and treatment responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with dementia exhibiting mood disorders or psychotic symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Psychiatrists should differentiate between dementia-related behaviors and primary psychiatric disorders.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F03.918 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, F03
  • 918 should be used when the dementia type is unspecified, and there are behavioral disturbances present
  • Coders should ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and that other potential causes of cognitive impairment are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F03.918 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

96116CPT Code

Neuropsychological testing

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess cognitive function in patients with suspected dementia.

Documentation Requirements

Results of cognitive assessments and behavioral observations.

Specialty Considerations

Documentation should reflect the need for testing based on clinical presentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of dementia cases, including unspecified types. F03.918 captures a significant patient population that may have previously been underrepresented in coding systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of dementia cases, including unspecified types. F03.918 captures a significant patient population that may have previously been underrepresented in coding systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of dementia cases, including unspecified types. F03.918 captures a significant patient population that may have previously been underrepresented in coding systems.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use F03.918 instead of a more specific dementia code?

Use F03.918 when the type of dementia is not specified, and the patient exhibits behavioral disturbances that complicate their condition. Ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.