ICD-10-CM Code F91.3: Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder

ICD-10-CM code F91.3 is a specific and billable diagnosis code used in the United States to classify Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This code is essential for medical billing and accurately documenting patient diagnoses. The F91.3 code, part of the broader ICD-10-CM system, provides a standardized way to categorize and report health conditions.

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder, represented by the diagnosis code F91.3, is characterized by a persistent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior directed towards authority figures. This behavioral disorder typically manifests in childhood and is marked by frequent occurrences of specific behaviors over at least six months.

Clinically, ODD is defined by a recurrent pattern of at least four of the following behaviors:

  • Losing temper frequently
  • Arguing with adults
  • Actively defying or refusing to comply with adults’ requests or rules
  • Deliberately annoying others
  • Blaming others for their own mistakes
  • Being easily annoyed by others
  • Displaying anger and resentment
  • Being spiteful or vindictive

It’s important to note that while these behaviors might occur occasionally in many children, in ODD, they are persistent, occur more frequently than is typical for the child’s age group, and cause significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Conditions like attention deficit disorders and learning disorders are often associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, highlighting the complexity of diagnosis and treatment.

History and Application of Code F91.3

The ICD-10-CM code F91.3 has been consistently used since 2016. The code’s history shows its stability and ongoing relevance within the diagnostic framework:

  • 2016: F91.3 introduced as a new code.
  • 2017-2025: No changes to the code definition or application.

This stable history is crucial for healthcare providers and billing departments, ensuring consistent application for reimbursement and data tracking purposes. The continued use without changes underscores the established and recognized definition of Oppositional Defiant Disorder within the medical community.

F91.3 in the Context of ICD-10-CM Codes

F91.3 is positioned within a group of related codes in the ICD-10-CM system. It falls under the broader category of “Conduct disorders” (F91) and is specifically distinct from other related conditions such as:

  • F90: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders
  • F91.0: Conduct disorder confined to family context
  • F91.1: Conduct disorder, childhood-onset type
  • F91.2: Conduct disorder, adolescent-onset type
  • F91.8: Other conduct disorders
  • F91.9: Conduct disorder, unspecified

Understanding the codes adjacent to F91.3 helps in differential diagnosis and ensures the correct code is applied based on the specific clinical presentation of the patient. Using the precise diagnosis code like F91.3 is vital for accurate medical records, appropriate treatment planning, and proper claim processing for healthcare services.

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