Unspecified disorder of psychological development
Chapter 5:Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders
ICD-10 F89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified disorder of psychological development.
F89 is used to classify unspecified disorders of psychological development, which can manifest as a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. These disorders may include difficulties in social interaction, communication, and learning, which are often seen in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), communication disorders, and learning disabilities. The term 'unspecified' indicates that the clinician has determined that a developmental disorder is present, but has not specified the exact nature or type of the disorder. This may occur when the symptoms do not fully meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis or when there is insufficient information to make a more precise diagnosis. Clinicians may observe delays in language acquisition, challenges in social skills, or difficulties in academic performance. The lack of specificity can complicate treatment planning and may require further assessment to identify underlying issues. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate resource allocation and treatment strategies, as well as for understanding the prevalence and impact of developmental disorders in the population.
Detailed developmental history, including milestones and parental concerns.
Assessment of a child with delayed speech and social skills.
Consideration of family history and environmental factors affecting development.
Comprehensive psychological evaluation and diagnostic interviews.
Evaluation of a child presenting with behavioral issues and learning difficulties.
Differentiating between various psychological disorders that may present similarly.
Used when assessing a child for developmental delays.
Documentation of the screening process and results.
Pediatricians should ensure that developmental milestones are clearly documented.
F89 should be used when a developmental disorder is identified but the specific nature of the disorder cannot be determined at the time of coding. It is important to ensure that documentation supports the use of this unspecified code.
