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 CodesR45.6

R45.6

Violent behavior

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R45.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of violent behavior.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Violent behavior is characterized by actions that can cause harm to oneself or others, often manifesting as aggressive, hostile, or destructive actions. This behavior can arise from various underlying psychological or medical conditions, including mood disorders, substance abuse, or personality disorders. Symptoms may include physical aggression, verbal threats, property destruction, and other forms of hostility. Clinical assessment often involves evaluating the patient's mental state, history of violence, and potential triggers for aggressive behavior. Laboratory findings may not be directly associated with violent behavior but can include toxicology screens to rule out substance use. Understanding the context of violent behavior is crucial, as it can be a symptom of a broader psychiatric condition or a response to acute stressors. Proper documentation of the patient's history, the context of the behavior, and any precipitating factors is essential for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (psychological, medical, environmental)
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and context
  • Potential overlap with other psychiatric diagnoses
  • Variability in presentation and triggers

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the patient's history and context
  • Misclassification of violent behavior as a primary diagnosis
  • Failure to document co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Lack of clarity on the severity and frequency of violent episodes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including any chronic conditions, medications, and psychosocial factors.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with violent behavior due to underlying medical conditions such as delirium or severe depression.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities and the impact of physical health on mental state.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment of the patient's mental status, safety concerns, and any acute triggers for violent behavior.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting to the emergency department after an incident of violence or aggression.

Billing Considerations

Rapid evaluation and documentation of the situation, including any interventions taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R45.6 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the code is supported by clinical documentation that reflects the patient's condition and the context of the violent behavior

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R45.6 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

90791CPT Code

Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

Clinical Scenario

Used when assessing a patient with violent behavior for underlying psychiatric conditions.

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation notes, including history and mental status examination.

Specialty Considerations

Psychiatrists should ensure thorough documentation to support 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 behavioral symptoms, including violent behavior, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of behavioral symptoms, including violent behavior, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of behavioral symptoms, including violent behavior, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning.

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 should be documented to support the use of R45.6?

Documentation should include a detailed history of the violent behavior, any triggers or stressors, the patient's mental health history, and any interventions taken to manage the behavior.