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 CodesR68.19

R68.19

Other nonspecific symptoms peculiar to infancy

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R68.19 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other nonspecific symptoms peculiar to infancy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R68.19 is used to classify a variety of nonspecific symptoms that are observed in infants but do not fit neatly into other diagnostic categories. These symptoms may include irritability, excessive crying, feeding difficulties, or abnormal behavior patterns that are not attributable to a specific medical condition. Infants may present with these symptoms due to a range of underlying issues, including gastrointestinal disturbances, neurological conditions, or psychosocial factors. The nonspecific nature of these symptoms often complicates diagnosis, requiring thorough clinical evaluation and sometimes extensive laboratory testing to rule out other conditions. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the context of these symptoms, including duration, associated signs, and any interventions attempted, to ensure accurate coding and appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Nonspecific nature of symptoms makes diagnosis challenging.
  • Requires thorough documentation to support coding.
  • Potential overlap with other codes can lead to confusion.
  • Need for comprehensive differential diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and their context.
  • Misuse of the code for specific conditions.
  • Failure to provide a clear differential diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of presenting symptoms, including onset, duration, and associated factors.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with unexplained irritability or feeding issues during routine check-ups.

Billing Considerations

Consider psychosocial factors and parental concerns that may contribute to symptoms.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes must include vital signs, immediate interventions, and any laboratory tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants brought to the emergency department for excessive crying or lethargy.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment is crucial; document any immediate findings and interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R68.19 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, R68
  • 19 should be used when symptoms are nonspecific and not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the symptoms are documented clearly and that there is no more specific code available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R68.19 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when an infant presents for evaluation of nonspecific symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and any management plans.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should focus on developmental history.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of nonspecific symptoms, improving the ability to capture the complexity of infant presentations. R68.19 provides a specific code for symptoms that previously may have been coded more broadly.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of nonspecific symptoms, improving the ability to capture the complexity of infant presentations. R68.19 provides a specific code for symptoms that previously may have been coded more broadly.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of nonspecific symptoms, improving the ability to capture the complexity of infant presentations. R68.19 provides a specific code for symptoms that previously may have been coded more broadly.

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 R68.19 be used?

R68.19 should be used when an infant presents with nonspecific symptoms that do not fit into a more specific diagnosis after thorough evaluation.