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
ICD-10 CodesR41.844

R41.844

Frontal lobe and executive function deficit

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R41.844 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of frontal lobe and executive function deficit.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Frontal lobe and executive function deficits encompass a range of cognitive impairments that affect an individual's ability to plan, organize, initiate, and monitor their own behavior. These deficits can manifest as difficulties in decision-making, problem-solving, and social interactions. Patients may exhibit signs such as impulsivity, lack of motivation, emotional instability, and challenges in maintaining attention. Commonly associated with conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders, these deficits can significantly impact daily functioning. Clinical assessments often reveal abnormalities in executive function tests, neuropsychological evaluations, and imaging studies that may show structural changes in the frontal lobe. Understanding the underlying causes and the specific nature of the deficits is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and interventions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., trauma, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases)
  • Overlap with other cognitive and psychiatric disorders
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Potential for misclassification with other cognitive deficits

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of specific deficits
  • Failure to link deficits to underlying conditions
  • Misuse of the code in cases of non-specific cognitive impairment
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence from assessments

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of cognitive symptoms, neuropsychological test results, and any relevant imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with cognitive complaints following a stroke or chronic illness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all cognitive assessments are documented and linked to the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of cognitive function, including mental status exams and any immediate imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute changes in mental status due to head trauma or acute stroke.

Billing Considerations

Document the acute nature of symptoms and any interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R41.844 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is clear documentation of frontal lobe and executive function deficits
  • The code should be supported by clinical findings and assessments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R41.844 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

96136CPT Code

Neuropsychological testing

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess cognitive function in patients with suspected frontal lobe deficits.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific tests performed and the rationale for testing.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the testing aligns with the clinical presentation and supports the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cognitive deficits, improving the ability to capture the nuances of frontal lobe dysfunction and its impact on patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cognitive deficits, improving the ability to capture the nuances of frontal lobe dysfunction and its impact on patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cognitive deficits, improving the ability to capture the nuances of frontal lobe dysfunction and its impact on patient care.

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

What are the common symptoms associated with frontal lobe and executive function deficits?

Common symptoms include difficulties with planning, organization, decision-making, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Patients may also exhibit impulsivity and lack of motivation.