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2025 ICD-10-CM code F02.81

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified severity, with behavioral disturbance.

Always code the underlying physiological condition first. This code is used when the dementia is unspecified severity with behavioral disturbances. Do not use this code if the dementia is mild, moderate, or severe; specific codes exist to address those severities with accompanying behavioral disturbances.

Medical necessity must be established by the underlying condition causing the dementia. Any treatments directed at the dementia itself should be justified based on the severity of cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances impacting the patient's daily life and safety.

Providers diagnose this condition through patient history, physical/neuropsychological exams, and lab/imaging studies. Treatment may involve managing the underlying condition (e.g., medication for diabetes, high blood pressure), and potentially cognitive-enhancing drugs. Prevention focuses on addressing risk factors for the underlying causes.

IMPORTANT:For specific behavioral disturbances, use F02.811 (agitation), F02.818 (other behavioral disturbance), F02.82 (psychotic disturbance), F02.83 (mood disturbance), or F02.84 (anxiety). For wandering in dementia, also consider Z91.83.

In simple words: This refers to memory loss and other cognitive problems, along with behavioral changes, caused by another diagnosed medical problem. The specific cause needs to be identified and coded separately.

This code describes a patient with dementia with behavioral disturbances, such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, or delusions, caused by an underlying medical condition other than those specifically listed elsewhere in the ICD-10-CM. The underlying condition should be coded first.

Example 1: A patient with Parkinson's disease (G20) experiences memory decline and displays aggressive behavior. F02.81 is used, after coding G20., A patient with Huntington’s disease (G10) develops severe dementia and has hallucinations. F02.81 is used, after G10., A patient with a traumatic brain injury (S06.-) experiences memory problems and exhibits significant agitation and confusion.F02.81 is used, after S06.-.

Documentation should include the underlying diagnosis, detailed cognitive assessment demonstrating dementia, and specific behavioral disturbances observed (e.g., agitation, aggression, hallucinations, delusions). Results of any laboratory or imaging studies should also be documented.

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