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 CodesR46.2

R46.2

Strange and inexplicable behavior

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R46.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of strange and inexplicable behavior.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R46.2 is used to classify instances of behavior that are perceived as strange or inexplicable, which may not fit neatly into other diagnostic categories. This behavior can manifest in various ways, including unusual emotional responses, erratic actions, or behaviors that are out of character for the individual. Such behaviors may arise from a range of underlying conditions, including psychiatric disorders, neurological issues, or even metabolic disturbances. The clinical context is crucial, as these behaviors can be symptomatic of more serious conditions such as psychosis, delirium, or dementia. It is essential for healthcare providers to conduct a thorough assessment, including a detailed history and physical examination, to determine the underlying cause of the behavior. Laboratory tests may also be warranted to rule out metabolic or infectious etiologies. Accurate documentation of the behavior, context, and any associated symptoms is vital for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation of strange behavior
  • Need for comprehensive clinical context
  • Potential overlap with other psychiatric diagnoses
  • Documentation requirements for underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the behavior's context
  • Failure to identify underlying conditions
  • Misuse of the code for non-specific behaviors
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and context of behavior; any associated symptoms; and results of relevant laboratory tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sudden changes in behavior, possibly linked to metabolic disorders or medication side effects.

Billing Considerations

Consider the impact of chronic illnesses on mental status and behavior.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of behavior, including vital signs, mental status examination, and any immediate interventions taken.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients brought in for acute behavioral changes, possibly due to substance use, trauma, or acute psychiatric episodes.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment is critical; ensure documentation reflects the urgency and nature of the behavior.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R46.2 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that R46
  • 2 is used only when the behavior is not classified elsewhere and is not due to a known condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R46.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with strange behavior requiring a detailed evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more extensive documentation compared to other specialties.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like strange behavior, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like strange behavior, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like strange behavior, improving the ability to capture the complexity of patient presentations.

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

When should I use R46.2?

Use R46.2 when a patient exhibits strange and inexplicable behavior that cannot be classified under another diagnosis and requires further evaluation.