Pediatric Coding Alert

Tip: Code range for these conditions will expand from just two codes in ICD-9 to five codes as of 2013.

You may know the diagnosis codes for ADD and ADHD by heart--but you'll be able to push those ICD-9 codes out of your mind when Oct. 1, 2013 rolls around. That's when ICD-10 will take effect, making new ADD and ADHD codes applicable to your claims.

Under the ICD-9 coding system, pediatric coders are familiar with the following codes for these conditions:

Know These ICD-10 Changes: Under the ICD-10 coding system, you'll find that your diagnosis coding options are expanded and require more specificity, with the following codes as options:

Documentation: With ICD-10, the physician has a specific code to tell the insurer that the patient has both ADD and ADHD (F90.2, combined type). Therefore, the documentation should clearly reflect the specific condition that the pediatrician diagnoses, whether it's ADD, ADHD, combined type, or another type.

Practice Tips: For unspecified ADHD diagnoses, you'll have to report F90.9, but this code will most likely only apply if you do not document enough information to allow you to report a more specific code. If you find that you're reporting F90.9 frequently, get to know the specifics of the new ADD and ADHD codes so you can ensure that your claims are as specific as possible.