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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF81.89

F81.89

Billable

Other developmental disorders of scholastic skills

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F81.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other developmental disorders of scholastic skills.

Key Diagnostic Point:

F81.89 encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect a child's ability to acquire academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics. These disorders can manifest as specific learning disabilities, which may not be attributable to other medical or psychological conditions. Children with these disorders often exhibit difficulties in processing information, which can lead to challenges in school performance and social interactions. The etiology of these disorders is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. It is important to differentiate these disorders from other conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and communication disorders, as they may co-occur but require distinct interventions. Diagnosis typically involves comprehensive assessments, including standardized tests and evaluations by educational psychologists. Early identification and tailored educational strategies are crucial for improving outcomes for affected children.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Overlap with other neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support diagnosis
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions that complicate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of specific learning difficulties
  • Failure to differentiate from other developmental disorders
  • Lack of evidence for educational interventions
  • Misclassification of severity or type of disorder

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed developmental history, educational assessments, and any interventions attempted.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of a child struggling with reading or math despite adequate instruction.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of co-existing conditions such as ADHD or ASD that may impact learning.

Psychology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive psychological evaluations, including cognitive and academic testing results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of a child referred for learning difficulties after failing to respond to standard educational interventions.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the impact of the disorder on academic performance.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F81.89 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, F81
  • 89 should be used when a child exhibits significant difficulties in scholastic skills that are not better explained by other conditions
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis with evidence of educational impact and the absence of other confounding factors

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F81.89 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

96130CPT Code

Psychological testing evaluation services

Clinical Scenario

Used when conducting comprehensive assessments for learning disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed reports of testing results and interpretations.

Specialty Considerations

Psychologists must ensure that the testing aligns with 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 developmental disorders, enabling better tracking of learning disabilities and their impact on educational outcomes. F81.89 provides a catch-all for atypical presentations that do not fit into more defined categories, improving the granularity of data collection.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of developmental disorders, enabling better tracking of learning disabilities and their impact on educational outcomes. F81.89 provides a catch-all for atypical presentations that do not fit into more defined categories, improving the granularity of data collection.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of assessments are needed to support a diagnosis of F81.89?

Comprehensive educational assessments, including standardized tests of academic achievement and cognitive functioning, are essential to support the diagnosis of F81.89. Documentation should also include observations of the child's performance in the classroom and any interventions that have been attempted.