Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: Parents sometimes come to the office to talk with our physicians about the child's behavior. The physician often lists "behavior concerns" as the diagnosis, but that's not in ICD-9. What's the best diagnosis for these visits?

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: Some possibilities include codes from 312.xx (Disturbance of conduct, not elsewhere classified), 313. xx (Disturbance of emotions specific to childhood and adolescence), and 315.xx (Specific delays in development). Other options include new codes from the 799.2x family (Signs and symptoms involving emotional state). Check the physician's documentation of the main reason for the parent's concern (such as aggressive behavior, trouble in school, not staying focused, etc.) and code specifically from there.