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ICD-10 Coding for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(Q86.0, P04.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

FASDFetal Alcohol SyndromeAlcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Q86.0Primary Range

Congenital malformation syndromes due to known exogenous causes, not elsewhere classified

Primary code for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, indicating confirmed dysmorphic features and CNS abnormalities.

Newborn affected by maternal use of alcohol

Used when there is confirmed alcohol exposure but FAS criteria are not fully met.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q86.0Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic)Use when all FAS diagnostic criteria are met, including facial dysmorphia and CNS abnormalities.
  • Smooth philtrum
  • Thin vermillion border
  • Prenatal alcohol exposure
P04.3Newborn affected by maternal use of alcoholUse when alcohol exposure is confirmed but FAS criteria are not fully met.
  • Documented maternal alcohol use

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 fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Essential facts and insights about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

The ICD-10 code for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is Q86.0, used for cases with confirmed dysmorphic features and CNS abnormalities.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of characteristic facial features and CNS abnormalities.

Applicable To

  • Confirmed dysmorphic facial features
  • Growth deficits
  • CNS abnormalities

Excludes

  • Other congenital malformations
  • Genetic syndromes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Smooth philtrum
  • Thin vermillion border
  • Prenatal alcohol exposure

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without full diagnostic criteria
  • Omission of CNS abnormalities

Coding Notes

  • Ensure all diagnostic criteria are documented before using Q86.0.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encephalopathy, unspecified

G93.4
Use to document CNS dysfunction alongside Q86.0.

Differential Codes

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

Down syndrome, unspecified

Q90.9
Confirmed normal karyotype and prenatal alcohol exposure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q86.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed maternal history is recorded., Use biomarkers if available.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial due to insufficient specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of the patient's condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure Q86.0 is used as the primary code when FAS criteria are satisfied.

Impact

Failure to document specific facial features can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized measurement tools and document all findings.

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 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Newborn with suspected FASD

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Facial phenotype documentation
  • CNS assessment
  • Maternal alcohol use history

Example Documentation

Newborn with smooth philtrum, thin vermillion border, and maternal alcohol use of 8 drinks/week.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child with developmental delays; rule out FASD.
Good Documentation Example
Growth: Height 3rd percentile. Facial: Palpebral fissures 20 mm, smooth philtrum. CNS: WISC-V FSIQ 68. Exposure: Maternal report of 8 drinks/week.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and exposure details, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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