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R45.1
ICD-10-CM
Restlessness

Find information on restlessness diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10), and treatment options. Learn about akathisia, anxiety, fidgeting, and other related symptoms of restlessness in adults and children. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on assessing and managing restlessness in various medical settings, including hospitals and clinics. Understand the differential diagnosis of restlessness and discover best practices for accurate documentation and appropriate coding for reimbursement.

Also known as

Agitation
Psychomotor Agitation

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Inability to stay still or quiet, often with a sense of urgency.
  • Clinical Signs : Fidgeting, pacing, difficulty sitting, anxiousness, irritability.
  • Common Settings : Anxiety disorders, ADHD, medication side effects, withdrawal syndromes.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R45.1 Coding
R45.1

Restlessness and agitation

Covers feelings of unease and excessive movement.

F48.9

Other neurotic disorders

May include restlessness as a symptom of anxiety.

G20-G25

Extrapyramidal and movement disorders

Includes akathisia, which can cause restlessness.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is restlessness due to a medication side effect?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Restlessness
Akathisia
Anxiety

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Restlessness: Onset, duration, frequency documented.
  • Associated symptoms: Specify and describe clearly.
  • Precipitating factors and relieving factors if any.
  • Objective observations: Patient's behavior, vital signs.
  • Differential diagnosis considered and ruled out.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Restlessness

    Coding restlessness without underlying cause leads to inaccurate reporting and potential claim denials. Use specific ICD-10 codes like R45.1 for psychomotor agitation when applicable.

  • Akathisia vs. Restlessness

    Misdiagnosis of akathisia (drug-induced restlessness) as general restlessness can impact quality metrics and reimbursement. Differentiate using appropriate codes (e.g., G21.1).

  • Restlessness Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of restlessness symptoms and severity hinders accurate code assignment and may trigger audits. CDI can improve documentation clarity for proper coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document restlessness cause: pain, anxiety, meds. ICD-10 R45.1
  • Assess, treat underlying cause. CDI: specify type, onset, location
  • Avoid restraints if possible. Use non-pharma methods first. CMS
  • Monitor response to interventions. Detailed charting improves care
  • Consider MD consult for diagnosis, management. HCC coding accuracy

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out akathisia (ICD-10 G25.71), document details.
  • Assess for anxiety (ICD-10 F41.9), consider GAD-7 scale.
  • Review medications: Could any cause restlessness?
  • Check vital signs, note hypoxia or pain levels.
  • Consider delirium (ICD-10 F05.9), evaluate mental status.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Restlessness Diagnosis Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10 R45.1, CPT varies, impacts MS-DRG assignment, affecting reimbursement.
  • Accurate restlessness coding crucial for proper severity reflection, impacting quality scores.
  • Restlessness documentation impacts hospital reporting on patient safety and care quality.
  • Coding validation and physician queries essential for optimizing restlessness reimbursement and 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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code akathisia if drug-induced
  • R45.1 for unspecified restlessness
  • Document restlessness observations clearly
  • Consider anxiety/mood disorder codes
  • Exclude pain as primary cause

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with subjective complaints of restlessness, agitation, and inability to sit still.  This includes symptoms such as fidgeting, pacing, and a sense of inner unease.  Onset of restlessness is reported as (onset timeframe).  Patient denies specific pain but describes discomfort associated with the need to move constantly.  Objective findings include observed fidgeting, shifting in seat, and pacing during the examination.  No tremors or other abnormal movements noted.  Vital signs are within normal limits.  Differential diagnosis includes anxiety, akathisia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), withdrawal syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and adverse drug reactions.  Assessment of restlessness considers potential contributing factors including current medications, caffeine intake, substance use, and underlying medical or psychiatric conditions.  Patient's medical history includes (relevant medical history).  Current medications include (list medications).  Plan includes further investigation to determine the underlying etiology of the restlessness.  This may involve laboratory testing, medication review, andor consultation with specialists as deemed necessary.  Patient education provided regarding potential causes of restlessness and coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and regular physical activity.  Follow-up scheduled for (follow-up timeframe) to reassess symptoms and adjust management plan as needed.  ICD-10 code R45.1 (restlessness and agitation) is considered pending further investigation.  Medical billing codes will be finalized based on the determined etiology and treatment plan.
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