Autism ICD-10 Codes
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Looking for an autism ICD-10 code? Read on for a comprehensive overview of the correct ICD-10 code for autism (aka autism spectrum disorder).
This guide provides a helpful overview of the autism spectrum disorder ICD-10 codes, how to define what is colloquially known as “high functioning autism,” and how you can identify the right code for billing.
What is the ICD-10?
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) is a guide published by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help clinicians use standard diagnostic language when identifying health and disease trends.
Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) contains ICD-10 codes.
Using the appropriate ICD-10 codes is critical to ensuring the correct administration of insurance and billing.
Bookmark this article as a reference to use next time you need to access the most common autism ICD-10 codes.
What is the ICD-10 code for autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is classified in the ICD-10 under the section for “Disorders of psychological development” and the sub-section for “Pervasive developmental disorders” (F84).
There are three ICD-10 codes for autism listed in the WHO’s ICD-10, but only one in the DSM-5.
The autistic disorder ICD-10 code (F84.0 diagnosis code) appears in SimplePractice’s list of the 20 most-frequently billed ICD-10 codes at #16.
If you’re seeking another specific ICD-10 code for autism, here are some others you may need:
- Childhood autism (F84.0)
- Atypical autism (F84.1)
- Asperger syndrome (F84.5)
Note: Conditions like Asperger syndrome and autistic psychopathy have been omitted from the latest editions of the ICD-11 and DSM-5. They have been reclassified as “Neurodevelopmental Disorders.”
A clinician evaluating autism related symptoms would consider them across a spectrum, prior to determining a diagnosis. Presentations of autism can range from what was commonly referred to as “high functioning autism” to “autism spectrum disorder,” a diagnosis that indicates the patient may need greater support.
Autism ICD-10 criteria
The WHO defines autism ICD-10 criteria as follows:
- The presence of abnormal or impaired development before the age of three
- Abnormal functioning in all three areas of psychopathology:
- Reciprocal social interaction
- Communication
- Restricted, stereotyped, and/or repetitive behavior
In addition to these autism ICD-10 criteria, other nonspecific problems that may commonly accompany suspected autism include:
- sleeping and eating disturbances
- phobias
- temper tantrums
- self-directed aggression
Using autism spectrum disorder ICD-10 code F84.0
If using DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ICD-10 code F84.0), clinicians may also specify the following:
- Severity:
- Requiring very substantial support
- Requiring substantial support
- Requiring support
- With or without accompanying:
- Intellectual impairment
- Language impairment
- Association with:
- A known genetic, medical, or environmental factor(s)
- Neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral problem(s)
- With catatonia (using additional code F06.1 if catatonia is present)
What is the ICD-10 code for Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is listed in the ICD-10 under code F84.5, however, it is not in the DSM-5.
Formerly considered a type of autism, Asperger syndrome was defined as having abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction and restrictive, stereotyped special interests and activities.
The main difference between the Asperger syndrome and autistic disorder code, however, is that Asperger syndrome is not accompanied with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The main clinical reason Asperger syndrome was removed from the DSM-5 is that it was reclassified under a spectrum of autism disorders. There is also some controversy around the phrase—it has a troubling history and can be stigmatizing.
Asperger syndrome’s namesake comes from Dr. Hans Asperger, who identified autism in the 1940s. His scientific contributions, however, are eclipsed by hotly contested evidence that suggests he was a Nazi sympathizer. During the Holocaust and World War II, he removed children with disabilities from their families and placed them in a children’s ward in Vienna, called Spiegelgrund, where they were subjected to experimentation and, in some cases, euthanized.
Differential diagnoses for suspected autism
While some patients may meet one or two of the criteria for autism spectrum disorder, there may be more appropriate diagnoses to consider, such as:
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Intellectual developmental disorder
- Language and social (pragmatic) communication disorder
- Rett syndrome
- Selective mutism
- Stereotypic movement disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
How to find an ICD-10 code for autism
The full list of ICD-10 codes for autism are available in digital and book formats:
- The official ICD-10 under the sections “Mental and Behavioral Disorders” and “Pervasive Developmental Disorders”
- ICD-10 Data, a searchable ICD-10 database
- DSM-5 in the textbook and digital version
It is worth noting that, while the DSM-5 does contain accurate autism ICD-10 codes, they may not align with the most recent ICD-10 version—diagnostic criteria and other indicators may differ.
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