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ICD-10 Coding for Cognitive Problems(G31.84, F02.80)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cognitive Problems. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cognitive ImpairmentMild Cognitive ImpairmentNeurocognitive Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cognitive Problems

G31.84Primary Range

Mild cognitive impairment, so stated

Primary code for mild cognitive impairment without known etiology.

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbance

Used for dementia associated with Parkinson's disease, sequenced after G20.

Unspecified cognitive impairment

Used when a definitive diagnosis cannot be established.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G31.84Mild cognitive impairment, so statedUse for patients with documented mild cognitive impairment without a known cause.
  • MoCA score between 18-25
  • Functional independence confirmed via standardized scales
F02.80Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbanceUse for dementia associated with Parkinson's disease, sequenced after G20.
  • Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease with cognitive decline.

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 mild cognitive impairment

Essential facts and insights about Cognitive Problems

The ICD-10 code for mild cognitive impairment is G31.84, used for documented cognitive decline without a known cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cognitive problems

Mild cognitive impairment, so stated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MoCA score between 18-25 with documented cognitive decline.

Applicable To

  • Mild cognitive disorder

Excludes

  • Neurocognitive disorder with Lewy bodies (G31.83)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MoCA score between 18-25
  • Functional independence confirmed via standardized scales

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without proper documentation of cognitive testing results.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes standardized cognitive assessment results.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders

Z86.59
Use when there is a documented history of resolved cognitive impairment.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Dementia with Lewy bodies

G31.83
Presence of Lewy bodies confirmed by neuroimaging or autopsy.

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere with behavioral disturbance

F02.81
Presence of behavioral disturbances.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cognitive Problems to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G31.84.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of cognitive status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all cognitive assessments are documented with scores.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G31.84 when mild cognitive impairment is documented.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of cognitive testing results.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for cognitive assessments.

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 Cognitive Problems, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cognitive Problems

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cognitive Problems. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology assessment for cognitive impairment

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Cognitive assessment results
  • Functional assessment
  • Caregiver interview

Example Documentation

Patient presents with cognitive decline. MoCA score 22/30. Functional independence assessed with Lawton IADL scale: 5/8 impairments.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has memory problems.
Good Documentation Example
24-month progressive short-term memory decline evidenced by 3/5 recall on Hopkins Verbal Learning Test.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and duration of decline.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cognitive Problems? Ask your questions below.

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