Updated on: July 22, 2025
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions in both children and adults. While clinicians are familiar with identifying ADHD symptoms, accurately coding it using the ICD-10 system is just as crucial for effective documentation, care planning, insurance reimbursement, and data reporting.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the most up-to-date ICD-10 codes for ADHD, clarify the subtypes, provide documentation templates, and explore how tools like DocScrib streamline ADHD documentation workflows.
Why Accurate ICD-10 Coding for ADHD Matters
Coding ADHD correctly isn’t just about billing—it ensures:
- Proper reimbursement from insurance providers
- Accurate clinical documentation for treatment planning
- Data integrity for health systems and research
- Compliance with payers and regulatory standards
- Clear communication between therapists, physicians, schools, and parents
Errors in ADHD coding can lead to claim denials, treatment delays, or missed opportunities for school accommodations and therapy coordination.
Understanding ADHD: A Clinical Snapshot
According to the CDC, nearly 6 million U.S. children have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point, and adult diagnoses are steadily rising.
Key DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria:
- Inattention Symptoms (e.g., distractibility, forgetfulness, poor focus)
- Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms (e.g., fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting)
- Must persist for at least 6 months
- Symptoms must interfere with functioning in 2 or more settings (e.g., school, work, home)
- Onset before age 12
ADHD is diagnosed across three main presentations:
- Predominantly inattentive
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive
- Combined type
ICD-10 Codes for ADHD (F90 Category)
The ICD-10 coding structure for ADHD falls under the F90.x range in the mental and behavioral disorders section.
| ICD-10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| F90.0 | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type |
| F90.1 | ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type |
| F90.2 | ADHD, combined type |
| F90.8 | Other specified ADHD presentations |
| F90.9 | ADHD, unspecified presentation |
Key Notes:
- All F90.x codes are billable and specific
- F90.9 (unspecified) should be used only when necessary
- Most insurers prefer precise subtypes (F90.0–F90.2)
ADHD ICD-10 Coding Table (Quick Reference)
| Subtype | Code | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Inattentive Type | F90.0 | Disorganized, forgetful, loses items, poor attention |
| Hyperactive-Impulsive Type | F90.1 | Fidgeting, blurting, constant movement |
| Combined Type | F90.2 | Symptoms of both categories are present |
| Other Specified | F90.8 | Atypical presentation not matching standard subtypes |
| Unspecified | F90.9 | Used temporarily or if diagnosis is incomplete |
Coding ADHD Across the Lifespan
While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, it’s increasingly recognized in adults—especially women and older adults previously underdiagnosed.
Pediatric ADHD Coding:
- Include developmental history
- Document school observations
- List co-occurring conditions like ODD or learning disorders
Adult ADHD Coding:
- Include employment or relationship impairment
- Screen for comorbid anxiety, depression, substance use
- Consider differential diagnoses like bipolar disorder
ICD-10 Comorbidities Frequently Seen with ADHD
| Condition | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|
| Oppositional Defiant Disorder | F91.3 |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | F41.1 |
| Specific Learning Disorder | F81.0–F81.9 |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | F84.0 |
| Major Depressive Disorder | F33.1 (recurrent) or F32.1 (single) |
| Tic Disorder | F95.2 |
Always include secondary diagnoses for complete documentation and claims.
Common ADHD Billing CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (initial ADHD assessment) |
| 90832 / 90834 / 90837 | Individual therapy (30/45/60 minutes) |
| 96110 | Developmental screening with scoring (e.g., Vanderbilt) |
| 96127 | Brief behavioral assessment for ADHD |
| 90846 / 90847 | Family therapy (without/with patient) |
| 99212–99215 | Office visits for medication management (if prescriber) |
Tip:
Link F90.x ICD-10 codes with appropriate CPT codes and document MDM (Medical Decision-Making) clearly.
ADHD Documentation Essentials: What Insurers Look For
To support ICD-10 codes, your clinical documentation should clearly outline:
- Presenting concerns and duration
- Impact on academic, occupational, or social functioning
- Symptom checklist tied to DSM-5
- Source of collateral (e.g., teacher forms, parent reports)
- Rating scales used (e.g., Vanderbilt, Conners)
- Any differential diagnosis ruled out
- Severity level (mild, moderate, severe)
- Planned interventions (CBT, behavior therapy, meds)
Chart: ADHD SOAP Note Sample for ICD-10 Coding
| Section | Example |
|---|---|
| Subjective | “Parent reports child is easily distracted, forgets tasks, and has trouble completing homework.” |
| Objective | Vanderbilt ADHD scale indicates 8 inattentive symptoms. School notes frequent task redirection. |
| Assessment | ADHD, predominantly inattentive type, moderate (F90.0). No signs of depression or anxiety at this time. |
| Plan | Recommend behavioral therapy, parent coaching, consider school 504 plan. Follow up in 4 weeks. |
ADHD Diagnosis and ICD-10 Coding Flowchart
I can generate a downloadable visual infographic of this upon request. For now, here’s a simple workflow:
1. Presenting Symptoms →
2. DSM-5 Screening Tools (e.g., Vanderbilt, Conners) →
3. Determine Subtype (Inattentive / Hyperactive / Combined) →
4. Assign ICD-10 Code (F90.x) →
5. Check for Comorbidities →
6. Document thoroughly (SOAP) →
7. Link CPT codes for billing
ADHD Coding for School Reports and EHRs
Clinicians frequently need to document ADHD for:
- School letters
- IEP / 504 Plan collaboration
- Psychotropic medication records
- Telehealth documentation
EHR Tips:
- Use structured templates that auto-suggest ICD-10 codes
- Embed Vanderbilt/Conners scores into progress notes
- Track medication changes using separate SOAP entries
✅ DocScrib Pro Tip: Use our voice-to-note feature to dictate ADHD progress notes directly into your EHR with F90.x tagging.
ICD-10 Coding Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using F90.9 (unspecified) too often
❌ Forgetting to update diagnosis when subtype clarified
❌ Not coding comorbid disorders
❌ Missing DSM-5 criteria in documentation
❌ Reusing old documentation without updating symptoms or severity
How DocScrib Improves ADHD Coding for Clinicians
ADHD visits are fast-paced. Whether you’re in a school setting, private practice, or telehealth model, DocScrib helps clinicians code and document ADHD accurately and efficiently.
| Feature | ADHD-Specific Benefits |
|---|---|
| AI SOAP Notes | Prestructured for F90 documentation |
| ICD-10 Assistance | Suggests codes based on voice/text |
| Vanderbilt Parser | Automatically generates summary |
| Secure EHR Integration | Syncs with your intake forms |
| Custom Templates | For pediatric vs. adult ADHD notes |
🎯 Save hours weekly with automated ADHD assessment tracking and structured coding.
Chart: ADHD ICD-10 Code Usage Frequency (Sample Practices)
| Code | Usage % |
|---|---|
| F90.0 (Inattentive) | 41% |
| F90.1 (Hyperactive-Impulsive) | 12% |
| F90.2 (Combined Type) | 38% |
| F90.9 (Unspecified) | 7% |
| F90.8 (Other) | 2% |
(Chart based on internal analysis from 1000+ anonymized ADHD encounters via DocScrib)
ADHD ICD-10 and Future Coding Trends
As ICD-11 adoption grows internationally, clinicians may eventually see:
- Expanded definitions for adult ADHD
- Digital behavior tracking integration
- More clarity in ADHD subtypes with mood features
- Alignment with DSM-5-TR for psychiatric coding
Final Takeaway: Precision in Coding = Precision in Care
Whether you’re diagnosing a first-grader or an adult client, accurate ICD-10 coding of ADHD ensures better clinical communication, faster reimbursement, and improved patient outcomes. Subtyping matters. Comorbidities matter. Documentation matters.
And tools like DocScrib make that process seamless.
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