Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Mild Cognitive Dysfunction(G31.84, F06.7-)

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

Also known as:

Mild Cognitive ImpairmentMCI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Cognitive Dysfunction

G31.84Primary Range

Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system

Primary code for idiopathic mild cognitive impairment

Other specified mental disorders due to known physiological condition

Used when MCI is due to a known physiological condition

Unspecified symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness

Used when cognitive screening is normal

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G31.84Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous systemUse when MCI is idiopathic and not linked to another condition
  • Objective cognitive impairment ≥1 SD below age/education norms
  • Preserved basic ADLs
  • Informant corroboration of cognitive decline
F06.7-Other specified mental disorders due to known physiological conditionUse when MCI is secondary to a known physiological condition
  • Link to underlying physiological condition
  • Objective cognitive impairment

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 dysfunction

Essential facts and insights about Mild Cognitive Dysfunction

Mild cognitive dysfunction is coded as G31.84 for idiopathic cases. Use F06.7- if linked to a known condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mild cognitive dysfunction

Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Objective cognitive impairment with preserved ADLs

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed cognitive evaluation and informant history

Applicable To

  • Mild cognitive impairment, so stated

Excludes

  • Dementia (F03.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Objective cognitive impairment ≥1 SD below age/education norms
  • Preserved basic ADLs
  • Informant corroboration of cognitive decline

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as dementia without proper documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies cognitive domains affected and test results

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness

R41.9
Use when cognitive screening is normal

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified dementia

F03.9-
Dementia involves significant impairment in basic ADLs

Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system

G31.84
Use G31.84 for idiopathic MCI

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis as dementia, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Document preserved ADLs, Use standardized cognitive tests

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the underlying condition first

Impact

Inadequate documentation of cognitive domains affected

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized cognitive assessments and detailed informant history

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

Documentation Templates for Mild Cognitive Dysfunction

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Informant history
  • MoCA score
  • Functional status
  • Etiology

Example Documentation

**Cognitive Assessment**: - Informant: [Name/Relationship], confirms [duration] of [specific symptom] - MoCA: [Score] with deficits in [domain(s)] - Functional Status: ✔️ Basic ADLs (bathing, dressing) ❌ Complex IADLs (med management, finances) requiring [assistive strategies] - Etiology: [Idiopathic/Alzheimer’s/Cerebrovascular] supported by [MRI showing hippocampal atrophy/CSF biomarkers]

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports memory issues
Good Documentation Example
MoCA score 24/30 (education-adjusted cutoff 26), informant reports 2-year decline in medication management, CDR global score 0.5
Explanation
The good example provides specific test scores and corroborated history, meeting documentation requirements.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more