Find information on intellectual disability, including clinical diagnosis criteria, DSM-5 codes (F70-F79), ICD-10 codes (F70-F79), intellectual developmental disorder, adaptive functioning deficits, support needs, and cognitive impairment. Learn about assessment, interventions, and documentation guidelines for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing and managing intellectual disability. This resource offers guidance on medical coding and best practices for clinical documentation related to intellectual disability.
Also known as
Intellectual Disabilities
Covers all classifications of intellectual disability.
Developmental Disorders
Includes conditions often comorbid with intellectual disability.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Some chromosomal abnormalities can cause intellectual disability.
Persons encountering health services
Codes for reasons related to intellectual disability services.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Confirmed intellectual disability diagnosis?
Yes
Severity documented (mild, moderate, severe, profound)?
No
Do NOT code intellectual disability. Review documentation for alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Significant intellectual and adaptive deficits |
| Global Developmental Delay |
| Borderline Intellectual Functioning |
Coding Intellectual Disability without specifying severity (mild, moderate, severe, profound) leads to inaccurate reimbursement and quality reporting.
Diagnosis coding requires documentation of adaptive deficits (conceptual, social, practical) alongside IQ scores for accurate Intellectual Disability coding.
Incorrectly coding age of onset for Intellectual Disability, especially during childhood developmental stages, impacts long-term care management and resource allocation.
Patient presents with intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder), manifesting as significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Assessment reveals deficits in cognitive domains such as reasoning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and learning from experience. Adaptive functioning deficits impact daily life skills across multiple environments, including communication, social skills, personal independence, and school or work functioning. The onset of these limitations occurred during the developmental period. Intellectual disability severity is currently classified as [mild, moderate, severe, or profound] based on adaptive functioning, which determines the level of supports needed. Differential diagnosis considered global developmental delay, learning disability, borderline intellectual functioning, and autism spectrum disorder. Standardized intelligence testing (e.g., Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales) and adaptive behavior assessments (e.g., Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Adaptive Behavior Assessment System) were administered to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline functioning. ICD-10 code F70-F79 is applicable. Treatment plan includes referral to developmental pediatrician, special education services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy as indicated. Prognosis and long-term functional outcomes depend on severity level, comorbid conditions, and access to appropriate interventions and supports. Patient and family education regarding intellectual disability, available resources, and community support services was provided. Follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor progress and adjust treatment plan as needed.