ADHD ICD-10 Codes: Subtypes, Diagnosis, and Clinical Guidelines

ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) usually occurs in children. Individuals with this disease experience problems in focusing, quick distractions, and make careless mistakes. When such patients get medical treatment from the provider, they assign a relevant code, adhd icd 10 code is F90.0. Healthcare experts also seek professional medical coding services to outsource this task and focus on patient care.

This blog will explore all you need to know about icd 10 code for adhd, adhd combined type icd, adult adhd icd 10 and history of adhd icd 10.

Understanding About icd 10 code for adhd

Before digging deep into icd 10 code for adhd or adhd diagnosis code icd, we must know about ICD-10 Codes. WHO (World Health Organization) offers a coding system known as International classification of diseases, tenth revision.

Healthcare providers use this guide to code the services and get quick reimbursements from the payers (Medicare/Medicaid). Similarly, ADHD experts will use adhd 10 cm code for adhd or adhd diagnosis code icd as per the treatment. Failing to assign or wrong code assignment leads to claim rejection and delayed payments.

Subtypes of ADHD ICD-10

ADHD (Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder) was earlier known as ADD. Which was later changed and now it has various types explained below.

• F90.0 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type.
• F90.1 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive type.
• F90.2 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type.
• F90.8 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, other type.
• F90.9 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified type.

Above mentioned codes help streamline the documentation process and lead to first-pass claim rate and quicker reimbursement. Besides, accurate coding is also important for the patient's treatment.

What Is ICD10 and ICD10CM

• ICD10 is the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases maintained by the World Health Organization.
• In the United States, a modified version is used called ICD10CM (Clinical Modification).
• ICD10CM adds specificity with more digits and detail suited for clinical use, billing, and public health.

So when you see ADHD ICD10 in the US, it usually means ICD10CM.

ADHD ICD10CM Codes Main Codes

ADHD falls under the category F90 in ICD10CM: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.

Here are the key ADHD codes:

• F90.0 ADHD predominantly inattentive type
• F90.1 ADHD predominantly hyperactive type
• F90.2 ADHD combined type (inattentive plus hyperactive)
• F90.8 ADHD other type (for presentations not captured by the above)
• F90.9 ADHD unspecified type

These are the main diagnoses for ADHD presentations.

Subtypes Presentations in ICD10

• Combined type → F90.2 (meets both inattentive and hyperactive impulsive criteria)
• Predominantly inattentive → F90.0
• Predominantly hyperactive impulsive → F90.1
• Other or atypical → F90.8
• Unspecified → F90.9

Note: Impulsive type as a pure category is not separately coded. If hyperactivity and impulsivity dominate, F90.1 is used.

ADHD in Adults vs Children

In ICD10CM, there is no separate code for ADHD in adults vs children. The same F90.x codes apply across the lifespan.

Thus, when a clinician diagnoses adult ADHD, they still choose the subtype (inattentive, combined, etc.) and use the appropriate F90.x code.

ADHD in Pregnancy

There is no ICD10CM code specific to ADHD in pregnancy. You would still use F90.x for ADHD. If there are pregnancy complications, those would be coded separately.

Evaluation, Screening and Diagnostic Testing Codes

When screening or evaluating ADHD (before confirming a diagnosis), different codes may apply, often from the Z codes (factors influencing health status) or other mental health screening codes.

Some potentially relevant codes:

• There is no dedicated ICD10CM code solely for ADHD screening
• General screening or evaluation codes can include:
  • Z13.9 Encounter for screening, unspecified
  • Z00.0, Z01.89 General exam or evaluation codes depending on context

Once diagnosis is confirmed, use the F90.x ADHD codes. Screening or evaluation is a precursor, the diagnostic code is only used when diagnostic criteria are met. In case of assigning wrong code, providers may face claim denials. Therefore, most practices seek help from expert Denial management services to avoid the hassle and get quick reimbursements.

History, Family History and Comorbid Conditions

Personal History of ADHD

If a patient has a prior history (but no active ADHD) and is coming in for follow up or evaluation, use:

• Z86.59 Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders

This indicates they had a mental or behavioral disorder in the past.

Family History of ADHD

To record that a close family member had ADHD, use:

• Z81.8 Family history of other mental and behavioral disorders

ADHD with Anxiety Comorbidity

When ADHD coexists with anxiety, both codes are used:

• Use the relevant ADHD code (F90.x)
• Use an anxiety code such as F41.0 for panic disorder or F41.1 for generalized anxiety as a secondary diagnosis if applicable

Practical Tips for Clinicians and Coders

• Document clearly whether symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or mixed so you pick the correct subtype code
• Use unspecified or other codes sparingly, only when a patient does not meet criteria for more specific categories
• Include comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression as secondary codes
• Use history or family history codes (Z codes) appropriately when ADHD is past or relevant in family history
• Do not overuse screening codes as diagnostic codes; they are only for preliminary evaluation
• Review annually for updates in ICD10CM codes as they evolve

Sample Use Cases

• A 10 year old child meets full criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity → F90.2
• A 25 year old adult with mainly inattentive symptoms → F90.0
• A patient has ADHD history but currently in remission → Z86.59
• A patient’s sibling had ADHD (family history) → Z81.8
• A patient diagnosed with ADHD plus generalized anxiety → F90.x + F41.1

Conclusion

Understanding the ICD10CM codes for ADHD is essential for accurate documentation, billing, and continuity of care. The primary ADHD codes fall under F90.x, covering inattentive, hyperactive, combined, other, or unspecified presentations.

There is no separate code for adult ADHD or ADHD in pregnancy, just pick the presentation subtype. Screening and evaluation have no dedicated ADHD code; once confirmed, you use F90.x. Historical or family associations can be captured with Z codes such as Z86.59 for past mental conditions and Z81.8 for family history. At MedsIT Nexus we also help providers with their billing and coding related issues enabling them to focus only on patient care.

FAQs

Q1: What is the ICD10 code for ADHD combined type?
A: It is F90.2.

Q2: Which code is for ADHD inattentive type?
A: Use F90.0.

Q3: What code do you use for ADHD with anxiety?
A: Use the ADHD subtype F90.x plus an anxiety code like F41.1.

Q4: Is there a different code for adult ADHD vs child ADHD?
A: No, ADHD in adults uses the same F90.x codes.

Q5: What ICD10 code describes a personal history of ADHD?
A: Use Z86.59 for a personal history of mental or behavioral disorders.