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ICD-10 Coding for Combativeness(R46.82, F02.81)

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

Also known as:

Aggressive BehaviorViolent Behavior

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Combativeness

R46.82Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving emotional state

Used when combativeness is a symptom without a confirmed underlying condition.

Dementia with behavioral disturbances

Used when combativeness is part of dementia with documented behavioral disturbances.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R46.82Combative behaviorUse when combativeness is a standalone symptom without a confirmed underlying condition.
  • Documented episodes of combativeness
  • Absence of underlying psychiatric or neurological condition
F02.81Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere with behavioral disturbanceUse when combativeness is part of dementia with documented behavioral disturbances.
  • Diagnosis of dementia with documented behavioral disturbances

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 combativeness

Essential facts and insights about Combativeness

The ICD-10 code for combativeness is R46.82, used when combativeness is a standalone symptom without a confirmed underlying condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for combativeness

Combative behavior
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented episodes of combativeness without a confirmed underlying condition

coding Criteria

  • Use R46.82 only when no specific condition explains the behavior

Applicable To

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Violent behavior

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented episodes of combativeness
  • Absence of underlying psychiatric or neurological condition

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using when a more specific code is available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure combativeness is documented as a symptom without a confirmed underlying condition.

Differential Codes

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

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere with behavioral disturbance

F02.81
Use when combativeness is part of dementia with documented behavioral disturbances.

Combative behavior

R46.82
Use R46.82 when combativeness is a standalone symptom without a confirmed underlying condition.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Combativeness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R46.82.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices, Use standardized templates

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignments if incorrect code is used., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F02.81 when combativeness is part of dementia with behavioral disturbances.

Impact

Using R46.82 when F02.81 is more appropriate.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training and audits of coding practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Combativeness

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

Emergency Department Assessment

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of combativeness
  • Precipitating factors
  • De-escalation methods used
  • Injury documentation

Example Documentation

Patient became combative during blood draw, requiring physical restraint. Episode lasted 10 minutes. No injuries reported.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient was agitated.
Good Documentation Example
Patient became combative during exam, striking staff. Required 4-point restraints for 15 minutes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the behavior and interventions used.

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

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