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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF02.81

F02.81

Billable

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified severity, with behavioral disturbance

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F02.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified severity, with behavioral disturbance.

Key Diagnostic Point:

F02.81 refers to dementia that occurs as a result of other diseases not specifically classified under dementia categories, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or multiple sclerosis. This code is used when the severity of dementia is unspecified, but the patient exhibits behavioral disturbances, which may include aggression, agitation, mood swings, or other disruptive behaviors. These disturbances can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and complicate care management. The diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of cognitive function, including memory, reasoning, and judgment, alongside an evaluation of behavioral symptoms. Caregivers often face challenges in managing these behaviors, necessitating support and education to improve patient outcomes and reduce caregiver stress.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying diseases that can cause dementia
  • Behavioral disturbances can vary widely among patients
  • Need for comprehensive cognitive assessments
  • Documentation of severity and behavioral symptoms is critical

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of behavioral disturbances
  • Failure to specify the underlying disease causing dementia
  • Misclassification of dementia severity
  • Lack of comprehensive cognitive assessment records

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological assessments, cognitive testing results, and behavioral observations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with dementia secondary to neurological disorders presenting with cognitive decline and behavioral issues.

Billing Considerations

Neurologists must document the relationship between the primary disease and dementia symptoms clearly.

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Mental status examinations, behavioral assessments, and treatment plans addressing behavioral disturbances.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients exhibiting severe behavioral disturbances requiring psychiatric intervention.

Billing Considerations

Psychiatrists should focus on the impact of behavioral symptoms on the patient's mental health and overall care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F02.81 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, F02
  • 81 should be used when dementia is a consequence of another disease, and the severity is unspecified
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying condition is documented and that behavioral disturbances are clearly noted

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F02.81 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 evaluations.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists and psychologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of test results.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dementia types, including those related to other diseases. F02.81 provides a clear framework for documenting dementia associated with various underlying conditions, improving the accuracy of patient records and care management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dementia types, including those related to other diseases. F02.81 provides a clear framework for documenting dementia associated with various underlying conditions, improving the accuracy of patient records and care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of dementia types, including those related to other diseases. F02.81 provides a clear framework for documenting dementia associated with various underlying conditions, improving the accuracy of patient records and care management.

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 types of diseases can lead to F02.81?

F02.81 can be associated with various diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, among others.

How do I document behavioral disturbances for F02.81?

Document specific behaviors observed, their frequency, and any impact on the patient's daily life to support the diagnosis.