Find information on nonverbal conditions, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about diagnosing and documenting nonverbal learning disorder, speech apraxia, selective mutism, and other communication disorders. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders related to nonverbal autism, developmental language disorder, and augmentative and alternative communication. This comprehensive guide covers relevant ICD-10 codes, DSM-5 criteria, and best practices for accurate nonverbal condition diagnosis and documentation.
Also known as
Developmental disorders of speech and language
Covers various communication disorders including nonverbal conditions.
Dyslexia and other symbolic dysfunction
Includes difficulties understanding and using symbols, sometimes related to nonverbal communication.
Problems related to lifestyle
May be used for documenting social difficulties associated with nonverbal conditions if no other code fits.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the nonverbal condition related to a neurological condition?
Yes
Is it due to aphasia?
No
Is it elective mutism?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Impaired nonverbal communication |
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder |
Autism Spectrum Disorder |
Patient presents with nonverbal learning disorder, also documented as NLD or nonverbal learning disability. This presentation includes significant difficulties in nonverbal communication, visual-spatial skills, and social pragmatics, while demonstrating relatively preserved verbal abilities. Assessment reveals challenges with interpreting nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language, leading to social interaction difficulties and potential social skills deficits. Fine motor coordination difficulties are noted, impacting handwriting and other tasks requiring dexterity. Visual-perceptual deficits are evident, affecting spatial organization and visual-motor integration. Academically, the patient may exhibit strengths in rote memorization and verbal tasks but struggles with mathematics, particularly geometry and spatial reasoning. Differential diagnosis includes autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and specific learning disabilities. Treatment plan focuses on addressing the core deficits through occupational therapy for visual-spatial and fine motor skill development, speech-language therapy for pragmatic language and social communication skills training, and academic support tailored to individual learning needs. Prognosis is variable and dependent on the severity of symptoms and access to appropriate interventions. ICD-10 code F81.9 is used for unspecified developmental disorder of scholastic skills, as there is no specific ICD-10 code for nonverbal learning disorder. CPT codes for services rendered will include those for occupational therapy evaluation and treatment, speech-language pathology evaluation and treatment, and psychological testing and evaluation. Continued monitoring and reassessment are necessary to optimize the treatment plan and address ongoing challenges.