The R62.50 Diagnosis Code is a critical component of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. Specifically, R62.50 is designated as “Unspecified lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood.” This code is utilized in medical coding and billing to classify and document diagnoses related to developmental delays in children when the specific nature of the delay is not further specified.
R62.50 is categorized as a billable/specific code, meaning it is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes in healthcare claims. This is particularly important for medical facilities and practitioners when submitting claims for services rendered. The code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, with the adoption of ICD-10-CM, and the current version, 2025 ICD-10-CM R62.50, became effective on October 1, 2024. It’s important to note that while R62.50 is the American ICD-10-CM version, international versions of ICD-10 may have variations.
Within the ICD-10-CM system, R62.50 falls under the broader category of “Lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood and adults” (R62). It is further specified from “Other and unspecified lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood” (R62.5). The term “Unspecified” in R62.50 indicates that while a lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood is diagnosed, the clinical documentation lacks the detail needed to assign a more specific code within the R62.5 range.
Synonymous terms that may be used interchangeably with R62.50, or to further clarify the diagnosis before coding, include:
- Developmental delay
- Mild to moderate developmental delay
- Severe developmental delay
- Growth retardation
- Physiological development failure
- Infantilism NOS (not otherwise specified)
These synonyms highlight the range of conditions that R62.50 might broadly encompass when more specific details are not available. It’s also important to understand the hierarchical structure of ICD-10-CM. R62.50 is part of a detailed classification system, and it is related to other codes within the R62 family and broader categories within ICD-10-CM, which allows for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to medical diagnosis coding.
For healthcare providers, accurate use of diagnosis code R62.50 is essential for appropriate medical billing and record-keeping. While R62.50 provides a general classification, clinicians should strive to document the specific nature of any developmental delays whenever possible to allow for more precise coding and better patient care management. Understanding the nuances of codes like R62.50 is crucial for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and anyone involved in the medical billing and diagnostic process.
