Find information on Unspecified Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder) including ICD-10 code F79, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, DSM-5 guidelines, and support resources. Learn about intellectual disability assessment, differential diagnosis, and best practices for healthcare documentation and medical coding for unspecified intellectual disability. This resource provides guidance for clinicians, healthcare professionals, and coders seeking accurate and comprehensive information on this diagnosis.
Also known as
Intellectual Disabilities
Covers various levels of intellectual disability, including unspecified.
Developmental Disorders
Includes conditions affecting psychological development, sometimes co-occurring with ID.
Problems related to education and literacy
Relevant for individuals with ID who face learning challenges.
Persons encountering health services
Codes related to seeking healthcare for conditions like intellectual disability.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the intellectual disability confirmed?
Yes
Is severity documented (mild, moderate, etc.)?
No
Do not code intellectual disability. Consider coding for any signs/symptoms or further investigation needed.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Intellectual disability, unspecified severity |
| Mild intellectual disability (F70) |
| Moderate intellectual disability (F71) |
Coding F70.9 without sufficient documentation to support a more specific ID diagnosis leads to inaccurate severity reflection and reimbursement.
Insufficient clinical data to justify the ID diagnosis can cause claim denials and compliance issues. Documentation must support functional impairment and IQ testing.
Failing to code co-existing conditions like ADHD or autism alongside F70.9 impacts care plans and accurate resource allocation.
Patient presents with unspecified intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder), exhibiting significant deficits in intellectual functioning confirmed by clinical assessment and standardized intelligence testing (IQ testing) revealing a score significantly below average. Adaptive functioning deficits are also noted, impacting daily life skills across multiple domains, including conceptual, social, and practical skills, limiting independence in areas such as communication, self-care, and social participation. The onset of these deficits occurred during the developmental period. The specific etiology of the intellectual disability has not been identified despite comprehensive clinical evaluation, including genetic testing and metabolic screening, precluding a more specific diagnosis such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Differential diagnosis considered global developmental delay, but the patient's chronological age surpasses the typical age range for this diagnosis. Treatment plan focuses on supportive therapies including special education services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions to maximize functional independence and improve adaptive skills. Regular monitoring of developmental progress and ongoing assessment of needs will be conducted to adjust interventions as needed. ICD-10 code F79 is used for this diagnosis, reflecting the unspecified nature of the intellectual disability. The patient's prognosis is dependent on the severity of cognitive and adaptive impairments and the effectiveness of interventions. Family education and support are integral components of the treatment plan to empower caregivers and facilitate optimal patient outcomes.