Find information on Memory Impairment Unspecified, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (F33.9, R41.3), DSM-5 criteria, differential diagnosis, cognitive assessment, and memory loss treatment options. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on properly documenting and coding unspecified memory impairment in medical records, along with resources for patient care and understanding memory problems. Learn about causes, symptoms, and best practices for managing this condition.
Also known as
Memory impairment, unspecified
Unspecified memory loss, not otherwise specified.
Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders
Mental disorders due to brain damage or disease.
Other degenerative diseases of nervous system
Conditions like Alzheimer's can cause memory impairment.
Other symbolic dysfunctions
Includes other cognitive problems that may accompany memory loss.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the memory impairment due to a known physiological condition?
Yes
Is it due to a medical condition (e.g., head injury)?
No
Is it due to a mental disorder?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Memory loss, cause unclear |
Mild Cognitive Impairment |
Age-Related Cognitive Decline |
Coding R41.89 lacks specificity, impacting reimbursement and data analysis. CDI should clarify the impairment.
R41.89 may mask a treatable condition. Audits should verify documentation supports unspecified impairment.
Insufficient documentation to support R41.89 leads to coding errors and compliance risks. CDI needs to query physicians.
Patient presents with complaints of memory problems, consistent with a diagnosis of Memory Impairment Unspecified (DSM-5 code R41.89). The patient reports subjective cognitive decline, specifically difficulties with recent memory, but denies significant impact on daily functioning at this time. Onset is unclear, but the patient and family members note that these concerns have been gradually increasing over the past several months. Formal cognitive testing was not conducted during this visit, but is recommended for future evaluation to quantify the extent of the memory impairment and assist in differential diagnosis. The patient denies any history of head trauma, stroke, or other neurological conditions. Medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia, both well-controlled with medication. Current medications include lisinopril and atorvastatin. Review of systems is otherwise unremarkable. Differential diagnoses considered include age-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and early-stage dementia. Further evaluation is required to determine the etiology of the memory impairment and rule out other potential causes. The patient was educated on memory strategies and provided resources for cognitive rehabilitation. Follow-up appointment scheduled in three months for repeat cognitive assessment and further discussion regarding potential treatment options, including referral to neuropsychology if clinically indicated. Medical billing codes may include codes for cognitive assessment and evaluation of memory complaints. This documentation supports the medical necessity for continued evaluation and management of the patient's memory concerns.