2025 ICD-10-CM code F98.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Mental, Behavioral, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence Chapter V: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F00-F99) Feed
Stereotyped movement disorder is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements.
Modifiers may be applicable to procedures performed in relation to the diagnosis of F98.4, such as those indicating the type of service (e.g., place of service, professional vs. technical component). Consult the appropriate modifier guidelines for specific procedures.
Medical necessity for treatment of F98.4 will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life.The level of functional impairment is a key factor in establishing the necessity of treatment such as psychotherapy or medication.Documentation must show a direct correlation between the stereotyped movement and an established functional limitation or distress.
The clinical responsibility for managing a patient with F98.4 typically involves a multidisciplinary approach including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and potentially other specialists, depending on the severity of the symptoms.Assessment includes thorough history taking, physical and psychiatric evaluations, and potentially additional testing to rule out other conditions.Treatment planning involves identifying triggers, implementing coping mechanisms, and possibly medication management or other interventions.
- Chapter V: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F00-F99)
- F98-F98.9: Other behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence
In simple words: Stereotyped movement disorder is a condition where someone repeatedly makes the same involuntary movements, like flapping their hands or rocking back and forth.It's more common in young children, and while there's no known cause, stress and boredom can make it worse.Many children outgrow it, but if it's severe, it can affect school, friendships, work, and family life. Doctors diagnose it based on the person's history, a physical exam, and talking to family members. Treatment may include therapy or medication, depending on the severity.
Stereotyped movement disorder involves involuntary, repetitive motor movements such as hand waving, head banging, or body rocking.Each individual's movements follow a unique pattern.The disorder is more common in children around age 3, with no known cause, though stress and boredom can exacerbate symptoms.Mild cases may resolve in adolescence, but severe cases can impact daily life and require treatment.Head injuries may cause permanent stereotyped movements. Self-harm (biting, hitting, head-banging) or harmless behaviors (hand-shaking, nail-biting) can occur. Diagnosis is based on history, symptoms, physical and psychiatric examinations, and interviews.Neuroimaging and blood tests rule out other causes. Treatment depends on severity; mild cases may resolve without intervention, while severe cases may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, antipsychotic medications, and a safe environment to prevent injury.
Example 1: A 4-year-old child presents with repetitive head-banging and hand-flapping behaviors.The pediatrician refers the child to a child psychiatrist for assessment and treatment of suspected stereotyped movement disorder. , A 10-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder displays increased repetitive rocking behavior after a stressful school event. This behavior is documented as an exacerbation of the existing stereotyped movement disorder., An adult with intellectual disability exhibits self-injurious biting behavior, which is managed with medication and behavioral therapy interventions, coded as stereotyped movement disorder, with additional considerations for the intellectual disability.
Detailed history of the onset, duration, frequency, and nature of the stereotyped movements; results of physical and psychiatric examinations; results of any neuroimaging or laboratory studies performed to rule out other causes; documentation of the treatment plan, including any interventions, therapies, and medications prescribed; notes about the patient's response to treatment.
** This code should only be used when the stereotyped movements are considered to be a primary diagnosis and not secondary to another condition.It is crucial to carefully review the documentation to ensure accurate coding, especially regarding the severity and impact of the movements on the patient's daily functioning.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided (e.g., evaluation and management, psychotherapy, medication management). Consult your payer's specific revenue code guidelines.
- RVU: RVUs will vary depending on the services rendered and the location of service.Consult your local Medicare fee schedule and other payer specific guidelines for the most accurate RVU calculations.
- Global Days : Not applicable. This is a diagnosis code, not a procedural code with a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to F98.4 as this is a diagnosis code.
- Fee Schedule : Not applicable to F98.4, which is a diagnosis code.Reimbursement is based on the procedures and services used to treat the condition.
- Specialties:Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Developmental Pediatrics, Neurology, Clinical Psychology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Psychiatric Hospital, Residential Treatment Facility