ICD-10 Coding for Acute Delirium(F05, F05.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Delirium. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Delirium
F05-F05.9Primary Range
Delirium due to known physiological condition
Primary range for coding acute delirium when a physiological cause is identified.
Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness
Used for symptoms like disorientation or altered mental status when not meeting full delirium criteria.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F05 | Delirium due to known physiological condition | Use when CAM criteria are met and a physiological cause is documented. |
|
| F05.9 | Delirium, unspecified | Use when delirium is documented but no specific cause is identified. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute delirium
Essential facts and insights about Acute Delirium
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute delirium
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- CAM criteria met with documented physiological cause
coding Criteria
- Underlying cause coded first
Applicable To
- Acute confusional state
- Acute brain syndrome
Excludes
- Dementia with delirium (F02.81)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CAM criteria met
- Documented physiological cause
Code-Specific Risks
- Under-coding if CAM criteria not documented
- Incorrect sequencing if cause not coded first
Coding Notes
- Ensure CAM criteria are documented to support F05 coding.
F05.9 - Delirium, unspecified
Use when delirium is documented but no specific cause is identified.
Applicable To
- Delirium NOS
Excludes
- Dementia with delirium (F02.81)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CAM criteria met
- No specific cause identified
Coding Notes
Query provider if a cause is suspected but not documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Disorientation, unspecified
R41.0Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Delirium to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F05.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition, Regulatory: Potential for coding audits, Financial: Loss of appropriate reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms like 'delirium' or 'acute confusional state', Ensure CAM criteria are documented
Impact
Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement if F05 is not used, Compliance: Increased audit risk, Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient condition
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports CAM criteria to justify F05.
Impact
Failure to document CAM criteria can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on CAM criteria documentation.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Delirium, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Delirium
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Delirium. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Delirium due to UTI
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- CAM criteria
- Underlying cause
- Onset and duration
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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