2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F81
Code details
Code attributes
- Non-billable/Non-specific code
Coding rules
- Specify the leaf code — the parent code (e.g. F32) is a navigational header; billing requires a leaf code (F32.0, F32.1, etc.) that matches the documented presentation.
- Document onset, course, and severity (mild / moderate / severe) plus functional impact. Payers use this combination when adjudicating medical necessity.
- Attach a validated instrument score (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, or equivalent) at intake and at follow-up where applicable. Objective measures support code selection and continued authorization.
- Review at every visit and update if presentation changes — including remission and partial remission states.
Clinical information
F81 covers specific learning disorders — reading disorder/dyslexia (F81.0), mathematics disorder/dyscalculia (F81.2), and disorder of written expression (F81.81). Specificity matters for IEP/504 documentation and educational planning. Document the affected academic domain, current achievement level, and any cognitive testing findings.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — 2026 ICD-10-CM
- AAPC — ICD-10-CM Code Lookup
- CDC — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
This reference is provided for billing and documentation guidance only. It is not medical advice. For clinical decision-making, consult the current CMS ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and verify code applicability against the patient's documented clinical findings.
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