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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disordersF73

F73

Billable

Profound intellectual disabilities

Chapter 5:Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F73 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of profound intellectual disabilities.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Profound intellectual disabilities (ID) is characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, typically with an IQ score below 20-25. Individuals with profound ID require extensive support in all areas of daily living, including communication, self-care, and social skills. Developmental delays are evident from early childhood, with challenges in motor skills, language acquisition, and social interaction. These individuals often exhibit co-occurring conditions such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and behavioral issues. The severity of their condition necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to care, involving special education, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions. Support needs are lifelong, and caregivers play a crucial role in facilitating daily activities and promoting quality of life. Understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with profound ID is essential for providing appropriate interventions and support systems.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of support needs
  • Potential co-occurring conditions that complicate diagnosis
  • Variability in adaptive functioning across different environments

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the severity of intellectual disability
  • Failure to document co-occurring conditions
  • Lack of evidence for the level of support provided
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed developmental history, assessment of adaptive functioning, and evidence of multidisciplinary interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of developmental milestones, management of co-occurring conditions, and planning for educational support.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include input from various specialists to provide a comprehensive view of the child's needs.

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including cognitive assessments and behavioral observations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of behavioral issues, assessment of mental health needs, and coordination with educational services.

Billing Considerations

Psychiatric evaluations should clearly outline the impact of intellectual disabilities on mental health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F73 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, F73 should be used when the individual exhibits profound limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and detail the level of support required

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F73 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not meet the threshold for profound intellectual disability

Related CPT Codes

96110CPT Code

Developmental screening, with interpretation and report

Clinical Scenario

Used for assessing developmental milestones in children with profound ID.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the screening process and results.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric specialists should ensure comprehensive assessments are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intellectual disabilities, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like profound ID. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and care planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intellectual disabilities, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like profound ID. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and care planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of intellectual disabilities, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like profound ID. This specificity aids in better resource allocation and care planning.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between profound intellectual disabilities and other levels of intellectual disabilities?

Profound intellectual disabilities represent the most severe level of impairment, requiring extensive support in all areas of life, while other levels may allow for more independence and less intensive support.