Logo Therapy Dial
Book a Free Call

ICD-10 Codes for ADHD: What You Need to Know

Share This Post

ICD-10 Codes for ADHD: What Clinicians Must Know

Correct coding protects your claims, keeps charts audit-ready, and clarifies care. Below is a quick, visual guide to the ADHD codes you’ll use most—plus exclusions, look-up tips, DSM differences, and real-world examples.

See Progress Notes Guide Review SOAP Format

Most common ICD-10 ADHD codes

ADHD appears in the F90 family (Hyperkinetic/Attention-Deficit disorders). These are the codes you’ll reach for most often:

F90.0

Predominantly inattentive

  • Inattention symptoms meet threshold
  • Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms not prominent
  • Document functional impact + onset
F90.1

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

  • Hyperactivity/impulsivity meets threshold
  • Inattention not predominant
  • Note behavior across settings
F90.2

Combined presentation

  • Both domains documented
  • Often most specific code when criteria met
  • Supports clearer medical necessity
F90.8

Other specified

  • Diagnosis confirmed; atypical presentation
  • Describe the “other” spec in note body
F90.9

Unspecified

  • Use sparingly—subtype unclear
  • Revisit once more data available

How to find other ADHD ICD-10 codes

Use official ICD browsers
Search national or WHO ICD-10 browsers for “Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder” within F90–F99. Cross-check with payer lists to ensure acceptance.
Check local (ICD-10-CM) variations
Some regions include mappings like “attention deficit without hyperactivity” (often under F98.xx). Always validate country-specific rules.
Document clarity in the chart
If your selection is “other specified,” describe why. If “unspecified,” add a plan to refine after additional assessment or collateral info.

Exclusions & coding rules

Exclusion notes prevent overlap or miscoding. ADHD codes commonly require you to consider—and separately code—conditions that co-occur but are not part of ADHD.

Anxiety disorders (F40–F41)
Mood disorders (F30–F39)
Schizophrenia spectrum (F20.x)
Autism spectrum (F84.x) — historically excluded in ICD-10

ICD specifiers vs DSM-5 presentations

ICD-10

  • F90.0 / F90.1 / F90.2 map to inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined
  • More static—recode when presentation changes
  • Historically less permissive of ASD + ADHD

DSM-5

  • “Presentations,” not fixed subtypes
  • Allows symptom profile to evolve
  • ADHD and ASD can co-occur when criteria are met

Remember: DSM guides diagnosis formulation; ICD codes drive billing and global data standards. Your note should justify the chosen ICD code using DSM-style criteria language.

Real-world coding examples

Case A — Combined
8 inattentive + 7 hyperactive/impulsive symptoms across school & home; onset before age 12; interference present.
ICD-10: F90.2 (combined)
Doc cue: Include teacher collateral + impairment examples.
Case B — Inattentive (adult)
9 inattentive sx; minimal hyperactivity; impairment in work tasks & time mgmt; childhood history noted via records.
ICD-10: F90.0 (predominantly inattentive)
Doc cue: Tie symptoms to functional outcomes (missed deadlines).
Case C — Unspecified (temporary)
Pediatric intake; limited collateral; symptoms suggest ADHD but subtype unclear on first visit.
ICD-10: F90.9 (unspecified) → plan to refine in 2 weeks
Doc cue: Note parent & teacher forms pending; schedule follow-up.

ADHD coding workflow (at a glance)

Best practice: document where symptoms show up, how they impair functioning, and why your chosen ICD code best fits.

Illustrative usage (education only)

For training: relative frequency you might see in outpatient settings (illustrative, not epidemiologic data).

Key takeaways

Specificity first

Use F90.2 when both domains are documented; avoid unspecified unless truly temporary.

Document impairment

Tie symptoms to function at school/work/home. Add collateral when possible.

DSM guides, ICD bills

Explain DSM criteria in prose; select the matching ICD code for claims.

Watch exclusions

Consider anxiety, mood, ASD, and psychotic disorders when coding.

Want cleaner charts and fewer denials?

We help teams standardize documentation—from intake to discharge—without adding admin drag.

Talk to a Practice Consultant

More To Explore