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F03.90
ICD-10-CM
Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance

Find information on Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance, including clinical documentation and medical coding for dementia without behavioral symptoms or non-behavioral dementia. Learn about diagnosis, healthcare management, and relevant medical terms for accurate coding and documentation in clinical settings. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals seeking guidance on this specific dementia presentation.

Also known as

Dementia without behavioral symptoms
Non-behavioral dementia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A decline in cognitive function (memory, thinking) without significant changes in behavior or personality.
  • Clinical Signs : Memory loss, difficulty with language, problem-solving, or judgment. Behavior remains relatively stable.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, neurology clinics, memory care facilities, assisted living.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC F03.90 Coding
F02.x0

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere

Dementia due to various underlying conditions without behavioral disturbance.

F03.x0

Unspecified dementia

Dementia without behavioral disturbance, when the underlying cause is unknown.

G30.x

Alzheimers disease

Alzheimer's disease, sometimes presenting without significant behavioral changes initially.

G31.84

Frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder

Cognitive decline affecting frontal and temporal lobes, sometimes with minimal behavioral issues early on.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the dementia due to Alzheimer's disease?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Dementia without behavioral issues.
Dementia with behavioral issues.
Mild cognitive impairment.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document cognitive decline impacting daily life.
  • Specify cognitive domains affected (e.g., memory, language).
  • Rule out delirium and other reversible causes.
  • Assess and document absence of behavioral disturbances.
  • ICD-10 code: F03.9 (Unspecified dementia)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Dementia Type

    Coding dementia without specifying the type (e.g., Alzheimer's, vascular) can lead to rejected claims and inaccurate severity reflection.

  • Behavioral Symptoms Overlooked

    Missing documentation of even mild behavioral symptoms could result in undercoding and lost revenue. CDI review is crucial.

  • Comorbidity Underreporting

    Failing to code coexisting conditions like depression or delirium with dementia impacts risk adjustment and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document cognitive decline specifics for accurate D code.
  • Assess and record daily living impact for Dementia staging.
  • Rule out reversible causes, optimize meds, document clearly.
  • Track cognitive tests, note progression for compliant billing.
  • Collaborate interprofessionally, detailed notes aid CDI for Dementia.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm cognitive decline: MMSE, MoCA, or SLUMS
  • Rule out delirium: CAM or ICD-10 criteria
  • Document symptom onset and progression: Folstein staging
  • Assess functional impairment: ADLs and IADLs affected
  • Exclude reversible causes: TSH, B12, neuroimaging

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Dementia without behavioral disturbance reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (e.g., F03.90) for optimal claims processing.
  • Coding dementia severity impacts CC/MCC capture, affecting DRG assignment and potential hospital reimbursement.
  • Accurate dementia coding influences quality metrics like hospital readmission rates and cost of care.
  • Timely documentation of cognitive assessments improves coding accuracy for dementia and delirium, impacting quality reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How to differentiate Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance from other dementias presenting with similar cognitive decline but with prominent behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)?

A: Differentiating Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance from other dementias requires a comprehensive assessment focusing on the presence and absence of BPSD. While cognitive decline may be similar across various dementias, the defining feature of this subtype is the notable lack of behavioral disturbances such as agitation, aggression, apathy, delusions, or hallucinations. Thorough neuropsychological testing is crucial to quantify the cognitive decline. Clinicians should also employ standardized behavioral rating scales, such as the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) or the Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD), to objectively assess and document the absence or minimal presence of BPSD. Consider implementing these scales in your practice for accurate diagnosis and explore how the absence of BPSD impacts the management and prognosis of dementia. A detailed patient and family history, focusing on the timeline of symptom onset and progression, is equally crucial in differentiating the dementia subtype. Explore how these diagnostic elements contribute to a comprehensive differential diagnosis process.

Q: What are the best non-pharmacological interventions for managing cognitive decline in patients with Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance, given the absence of challenging behaviors?

A: Given the absence of behavioral disturbances, non-pharmacological interventions for Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance can focus primarily on cognitive enhancement and support. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), involving engaging activities like puzzles, games, and discussions, can be particularly beneficial in maintaining cognitive function. Explore how structured reminiscence therapy can tap into preserved long-term memory and promote emotional well-being. Furthermore, lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, can contribute to overall cognitive health. Consider implementing these interventions early in the disease course and learn more about tailoring these approaches to individual patient needs and preferences.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code F02.x for Dementia
  • Document cognitive decline
  • Specify dementia type
  • Exclude behavioral issues
  • R/O other conditions

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with progressive cognitive decline, consistent with a diagnosis of Dementia Without Behavioral Disturbance.  The patient exhibits deficits in memory, executive function, and language, impacting their activities of daily living (ADLs).  Notably absent are significant behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, or delusions.  The patient's family reports a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, particularly noticeable in recent months.  Differential diagnosis considered Alzheimer's disease without behavioral disturbance, frontotemporal dementia (behavioral variant excluded), and vascular dementia without behavioral disturbances.  Cognitive testing, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), reveals impairments in multiple cognitive domains.  Neuroimaging, such as MRI or CT scan of the brain, was ordered to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline, including structural abnormalities or cerebrovascular disease.  The patient's medical history is significant for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but no history of psychiatric illness or significant behavioral problems.  Current medications include antihypertensives and statins.  The patient's lack of behavioral symptoms distinguishes this presentation from other dementia subtypes.  Plan includes further evaluation to determine the underlying etiology of the dementia, initiation of cognitive enhancing medications if appropriate,  referral to occupational therapy for assessment and support with ADLs,  and caregiver education regarding dementia management strategies and available support services.  ICD-10 code F03.90, Dementia, unspecified, without behavioral disturbance, is documented for billing and coding purposes.  Prognosis and treatment response will be closely monitored.
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