A Clinician's Guide to ADHD ICD-10 Codes: From Diagnosis to Documentation (2025)
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As a mental health clinician, I've seen firsthand how proper diagnosis and documentation of ADHD can significantly impact patient care. With ADHD affecting both children and adults across multiple settings, mastering the ICD-10 coding system isn't just about billing—it's about providing the best possible care for our patients.

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Understanding the Basics: ADHD ICD-10 Codes

The ICD-10 system might seem daunting at first, but it provides us with a clear framework for documenting ADHD. Here are the primary codes you'll use most often in your practice:

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Let's break down what you need to document for accurate diagnosis and proper reimbursement.

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Predominantly Inattentive Type: Beyond "Spacing Out"

The inattentive presentation (F90.0) requires careful documentation to distinguish it from other conditions that might affect attention. In my experience, this type is often missed, especially in adults who have developed coping strategies.
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For an inattentive type diagnosis, your documentation needs to show:

• Six or more inattention symptoms (five for adults)

• Symptoms present for at least six months

• Clear impact across multiple settings

• Evidence that symptoms affect functioning
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Here's something I've learned: documenting specific examples of how inattention manifests in different settings strengthens both the diagnosis and reimbursement claims.
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Documenting Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD: More Than Just "Being Busy"

When documenting hyperactive/impulsive type (F90.1), we're looking at a distinct pattern of behavior that significantly impacts daily functioning. This presentation can look quite different across age groups, which needs to be reflected in your documentation.

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Key elements to document include:

• Specific hyperactive/impulsive behaviors

• How symptoms manifest in different settings

• Impact on academic/occupational functioning

• Any accommodations needed or in place
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I always make sure to document behavioral observations during the clinical interview itself, as these can provide valuable evidence of symptoms.

Streamlining Documentation with Osmind

Osmind's purpose-built EHR for psychiatry makes documentation easy. When documenting ADHD, I rely on:

• Pre-built ADHD assessment templates

• Progress tracking tools with over 60+ built-in rating scales

• Dedicated support and a thriving clinician community
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The platform's customizable templates help ensure I'm capturing all necessary elements while saving valuable time—time I can spend with my patients.
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Combined Type ADHD: Comprehensive Documentation

Combined type ADHD (F90.2) requires particularly thorough documentation as we're tracking both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. With 70% of children and adults diagnosed with ADHD showing combined presentation, this is often the most commonly used code.
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In my documentation, I always capture:

• Specific symptoms from both categories

• How symptoms interact and overlap

• Impact on different life domains

• Treatment response patterns
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Practical Tips for Clinical Documentation

Here's what I've found works best:

1. Document symptoms in specific behavioral terms
2. Use age-appropriate rating scales
3. Include feedback from multiple sources
4. Track treatment response systematically
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The right tools make all the difference. Just as we wouldn't try to treat ADHD without proper assessment tools, we shouldn't try to document without proper support systems.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of ADHD Documentation

As we move toward ICD-11 implementation, staying current with coding changes while maintaining thorough documentation is crucial. Osmind's Psychiatry EHR and clinician community continues to evolve with these changes, ensuring we can focus on what matters most—providing excellent patient care.
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Remember, proper documentation isn't just about meeting requirements—it's about providing better care for our patients with ADHD. The right tools and systems make this possible while allowing us to focus more on what matters most: helping our patients achieve better outcomes.