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ICD-10 Coding for Unspecified Psychosis(F29)

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

Also known as:

Psychosis NOSNon-specific PsychosisPsychotic Disorder Unspecified

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Unspecified Psychosis

F20-F29Primary Range

Schizophrenia, schizotypal, delusional, and other non-mood psychotic disorders

This range includes all schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, with F29 specifically for cases where no specific cause is identified.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for unspecified psychosis

Essential facts and insights about Unspecified Psychosis

The ICD-10 code for unspecified psychosis is F29, used when psychosis is present without identifiable substance or medical cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for unspecified psychosis

Unspecified psychosis not due to a substance or known physiological condition
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Persistent psychotic symptoms without identifiable cause

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of substance use confirmed by negative toxicology

Applicable To

  • Psychosis NOS

Excludes

  • Substance-induced psychosis (F10-F19)
  • Psychotic disorder due to a known physiological condition (F06.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Negative urine toxicology for substances
  • Normal MRI and metabolic panel
  • Persistent psychotic symptoms beyond substance clearance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Lower reimbursement compared to specific psychotic disorders
  • Potential audit if used without sufficient documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure comprehensive documentation of negative findings and exclusion of other causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Problems in relationship with spouse or partner

Z63.0
Use to document psychosocial factors influencing the psychosis.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified schizophrenia

F20.9
Use F20.9 when schizophrenia symptoms are present but not further specified.

Brief psychotic disorder

F23
Use F23 for psychotic episodes lasting less than one month.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Unspecified Psychosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F29.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Claim denials or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Include detailed patient history, Document negative findings explicitly

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to insufficient documentation., Compliance: Increased risk of audit for improper coding., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Document negative urine toxicology and absence of recent substance use.

Impact

Using F29 without adequate documentation of exclusion criteria.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of negative findings and exclusion of other causes.

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

Documentation Templates for Unspecified Psychosis

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

Emergency Department Psychosis Evaluation

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mental status examination
  • Substance use history
  • Laboratory and imaging results

Example Documentation

34yo M presents with 6d history of believing FBI implanted chip in teeth. Denies substance use. Last alcohol 14d ago. Sister confirms baseline function declined x3 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports hearing voices.
Good Documentation Example
Patient endorses command auditory hallucinations 5x/day since 03/20/25, unrelated to substance use per negative UDS. MSE shows impaired reality testing.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the hallucinations and confirms the absence of substance use.

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

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