Concerned about short-term memory loss? Find information on diagnosis, causes, and treatment options for short-term memory impairment. Learn about clinical documentation requirements, medical coding for short-term memory loss including ICD-10 codes, and healthcare provider resources. Explore assessments for memory problems, memory care, and cognitive impairment. Understand the difference between short-term memory loss and dementia, and access support for patients and caregivers.
Also known as
Short-term memory loss
Difficulty remembering recent events.
Mild cognitive impairment
Slight decline in cognitive abilities, including memory.
Alzheimers disease
Progressive neurodegenerative disease causing memory loss.
Delirium
Sudden confusion and cognitive dysfunction, affecting memory.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the memory loss transient?
Yes
Related to substance use?
No
Is it part of a dementia diagnosis?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Difficulty recalling recent events. |
| Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) |
| Anterograde Amnesia |
Coding short-term memory loss without specifying underlying cause (e.g., dementia, TBI) leads to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis. Impacts CDI queries.
Failing to code coexisting conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) with memory loss can impact risk adjustment and quality reporting. HCC coding implications.
Insufficient physician documentation detailing severity, duration, and impact of memory loss hinders accurate coding and audit defense. CDI specialist intervention needed.
Patient presents with complaints of short-term memory loss, difficulty remembering recent events, and mild cognitive impairment. Onset is reported as gradual over the past six months. Patient denies any history of head trauma, stroke, or substance abuse. Family history is positive for Alzheimer's disease in the maternal grandmother. Mental status examination reveals intact long-term memory, normal language skills, and no evidence of delirium or confusion. Patient exhibits difficulty with immediate recall and working memory tasks. Differential diagnosis includes age-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and early-stage dementia. Assessment suggests possible short-term memory impairment, likely due to age-related cognitive decline. Plan includes neuropsychological testing to further evaluate cognitive function and rule out other potential causes. Patient education provided on memory strategies and lifestyle modifications to support cognitive health. Follow-up appointment scheduled in three months to review test results and discuss management options, including potential referral to a neurologist or geriatrician. ICD-10 code R41.3 (Memory impairment, not elsewhere classified) is provisionally assigned, pending further evaluation. CPT codes for the evaluation and management visit will be determined based on time spent and complexity of medical decision-making.