ICD Codes for ADHD: The Complete Guide to F90.9 and Other ADHD Diagnosis Codes

If you’ve ever tried to bill ADHD correctly, you already know the struggle. ADHD itself is easy to diagnose clinically, but picking the right ICD-10 code is where the headaches begin. Every insurer wants clean claims. Every denial feels like a personal attack. And every coder has a moment once a week where they stare at the screen thinking:

“F90.9… or F90.0? Or wait, is this one F90.2? Why are there so many?”

This guide clears the fog. Whether you’re a provider, biller, coder, or clinic manager, you’ll finally understand which ADHD ICD-10 code fits which patient, what documentation must support each one, and how insurers evaluate ADHD claims behind the scenes.

Understanding ADHD in ICD-10: Why F90 Codes Matter

ADHD sits inside the ICD-10 chapter titled F90 – Behavioral and Emotional Disorders With Onset Usually Occurring in Childhood and Adolescence.

But here’s where people get confused:

Just because it says “childhood and adolescence” in the chapter title.

Does NOT mean ADHD codes are for kids only.

ADHD is lifelong. And ICD-10 approves every ADHD F90 code for children, teens, and adults. Providers regularly treat adults with:

• newly diagnosed ADHD
• late-diagnosed ADHD
• Ongoing ADHD treatment
• ADHD with comorbid anxiety/depression
• ADHD medication management

So yes, you can freely diagnose and bill ADHD ICD codes in adults.

ADHD codes matter because:

• They guide treatment plans
• insurers evaluate medical necessity based on them
• They determine which services are reimbursable
• They influence medication coverage
• They impact school, work, and disability documentation

Now let’s walk through the star of the show: F90.9.

F90.9 — ADHD, Unspecified: When to Use It (and When You Shouldn’t)

ICD-10 Code: F90.9

Description: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified

F90.9 is the most commonly used ADHD code in the United States. It’s the “default” code when:

• The patient meets ADHD criteria
• symptoms exist
• ADHD is clinically diagnosed
• But the subtype is not clearly documented or determined

It fits real-life situations like:

Scenario 1 — First Diagnostic Visit

A 27-year-old visits your clinic, saying they’ve always struggled with focus and procrastination but have never been evaluated. During the first session, you suspect ADHD but don’t know the subtype yet.

Correct code: F90.9 (ADHD Unspecified)

Scenario 2 — History Lost or Unclear

A 15-year-old recently moved states. Their previous records list “ADHD” only—no subtype, no detailed notes.

Correct code: F90.9

Scenario 3 — Adult with Mixed Symptoms

A 34-year-old displays both inattentive and hyperactive traits, but the severity and pattern are unclear or inconsistent.

Correct code: F90.9

When NOT to use F90.9

Avoid this code when:

• The subtype is clearly documented
• The patient has a well-established ADHD diagnosis
• Previous evaluations specify an inattentive or hyperactive type
• Insurance requires subtype coding for medication authorization

F90.9 is a safe starting point, but the more precise your code, the stronger your documentation looks — especially for stimulant approvals.

All ADHD ICD-10 Codes Explained (F90.0 – F90.2 and more)

Let’s break down every ADHD code with real-world examples so it finally makes sense.

F90.0 — ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type

This is the “classic” inattentive ADHD pattern: daydreaming, forgetfulness, poor focus.

Fits patients who struggle with:

• organization
• completing tasks
• following instructions
• staying attentive
• losing items
• procrastinating

Use F90.0 for: Patients who do not show major impulsivity or hyperactivity.

Example Case: A college student has trouble staying focused in lectures, forgets deadlines, and loses their phone twice a week — but doesn’t have impulsive behavior or restlessness.

Correct Code: F90.0

F90.1 — ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

This code is less common in adults but very common in children.

Symptoms include:

• fidgeting
• restlessness
• talking excessively
• interrupting others
• impulsive decisions

Example Case: A 12-year-old frequently blurts out answers, fidgets constantly, and gets in trouble for impulsive behavior. Teachers report energy “beyond classroom norms.”

Correct Code: F90.1

F90.2 — ADHD, Combined Type

This is the most accurate code for many adults and older adolescents.

Combined type includes:

• significant inattention
• significant hyperactivity
• significant impulsivity

Example Case:

A 32-year-old says:

• They can’t focus on tasks
• interrupt people in conversations
• get easily distracted
• feel restless
• start tasks but rarely finish them

Correct Code: F90.2

F90.8 — Other ADHD

Use F90.8 when symptoms don’t clearly fit the three main subtypes, but ADHD is still diagnosed.

This code is useful when:

• ADHD appears with unusual features
• developmental or neurological factors complicate the picture
• Symptoms don’t match standard subtypes

It’s rarely needed, but it exists for atypical ADHD presentations.

F90.9 vs. F90.0 vs. F90.1 vs. F90.2: Quick Reference Table

How to Document ADHD Correctly (So Claims Don’t Deny)

Insurance companies deny ADHD claims all the time — not because the diagnosis is wrong, but because documentation is weak.

Here’s what must be in the note:

Meeting DSM-5 Criteria

Even a brief line works, like:

“Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, combined type.”

Duration of Symptoms

Insurance cares about chronicity.

Example: “Symptoms present since adolescence; impairing academic performance.”

Functional Impairment

Without impairment, insurers argue the diagnosis isn’t medically necessary.

Examples:

• trouble meeting work deadlines
• disorganization affecting the school
• relationship stress from impulsivity

Subtype justification (if used)

One sentence is enough:

• “Symptoms primarily inattentive — no significant hyperactivity.”
• “Both inattentive and impulsive traits present.”

Medication Monitoring

If prescribing stimulants, document:

• risk assessment
• vitals
• side effects
• compliance
• controlled substance monitoring

Rule-Outs

Insurance LOVES when you show clinical reasoning.

Examples:

• “Rule out anxiety as the primary cause.”
• “Memory issues not related to depression.”

Good documentation = clean claims.

Billing ADHD Visits: Which CPT Codes Pair With F90.9?

Here are the most common CPT codes used with ADHD diagnoses:

Diagnostic / Evaluation Codes

• 90791 — Initial psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
• 90792 — Evaluation with medical services (MD/NP/PA)

Psychotherapy Codes

• 90832 — 30-minute therapy
• 90834 — 45-minute therapy
• 90837 — 60-minute therapy

Medication Management (Medical Providers)

• 99213 — Established patient, low complexity
• 99214 — Moderate complexity (most ADHD med visits)
• 99215 — High complexity

Testing Codes

If psychological testing is done:

• 96136 / 96137 — Psychological testing
• 96130 / 96131 — Neuropsychological testing

These codes MUST be justified by documentation.

F90.9 and Medication Authorization: What Insurance Looks For

Insurance companies love to make ADHD medication approvals a sport. They look for:

• ADHD subtype (not just F90.9)
• patient age
• severity of impairment
• history of treatments
• comorbid mental health conditions
• whether symptoms existed before adulthood
• documented trials of non-stimulant meds (for some insurers)

If you want smoother approvals, use F90.2 or F90.0 instead of F90.9 whenever possible — insurers prefer specificity.

Common Denial Reasons for ADHD Claims (and How to Avoid Them)

If you’ve billed ADHD long enough, you’ve probably seen denials that make no sense on paper but happen all the time in the real world. ADHD is one of the most frequently treated and billed behavioral health conditions. However, payers still love to deny these claims—sometimes because of tiny documentation gaps, sometimes because of coding mismatches, and sometimes for reasons that make you want to walk outside and scream into the sky.

Let’s see the actual denial patterns practices deal with every week, why they happen, and the exact steps to avoid them. Think of this as a cheat sheet that keeps ADHD claims clean, compliant, and paid on the first try.

Denial Reason #1: Missing or Vague ADHD Diagnosis Code (Especially When Using F90.9 Alone)

Payers consider F90.9 (ADHD, unspecified type) a “last resort” code. If you use it too often, they assume the documentation is incomplete or that a proper evaluation didn’t take place.

Because the code doesn’t specify the ADHD type—combined, inattentive, or hyperactive—some insurers downcode or request medical records.

How to avoid it:

• Use specific codes whenever possible → F90.0, F90.1, F90.2, F90.8
• Document symptoms clearly → inattentive behaviors, impulsivity patterns, hyperactivity clusters
• Reevaluate the diagnosis annually and code accordingly

Denial Reason #2: Missing Evidence of Diagnostic Criteria (No DSM-5 Elements Documented)

Insurance wants proof that you didn’t diagnose ADHD based on a five-minute vibe check.

Why it gets denied:

Because notes lack:

• Symptom lists
• Duration (6 months minimum)
• Functional impairment (school, work, home)
• Childhood onset for adults

How to avoid it:

• Document at least 5–6 hallmark symptoms
• Mention impairment → “struggling at work, missed deadlines, low productivity”
• Add collateral evidence when available → parent/teacher reports, rating scales

Even two extra sentences can save an audit.

Denial Reason #3: No Proof of Ongoing Management for Medication-Based Visits

ADHD medication management has a giant target on its back. If you use 99213 or 99214, insurers expect monitoring notes.

Why it gets denied:

Because the visit looks like counseling, not med management.

How to avoid it:

Document the holy trinity of medication follow-up:

• Effectiveness — “Improved focus, fewer missed tasks.”
• Side effects — “Mild appetite change, no sleep disruption.”
• Plan — “Continue 20 mg dose; recheck in 4 weeks.”

If you skip even one, the payer might downcode or deny.

Denial Reason #4: Missing MDM Elements for 99214 ADHD Visits

A lot of clinicians try to bill 99214 for ADHD, but forget that the documentation must support moderate medical decision-making.

Why it gets denied:

• ADHD stable on meds → automatically 99213 unless another issue increases complexity
• No documentation of multiple data points reviewed
• No documented risk (medication changes, monitoring needs)

How to avoid it:

• Mention every record you review → “Reviewed school psychologist’s report.”
• Capture risk factors → appetite suppression, sleep trouble, rebound, comorbid anxiety.
• Document medication changes with reason + outcome.

One sentence can save $40–$60 per visit.

Denial Reason #5: Prior Authorization Problems for Stimulant Medications

Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Focalin—these meds live in a world of never-ending prior authorization headaches.

Why it gets denied:

• Missing PA
• Expired PA
• Does the outside insurer’s preferred limits
• Patient switched pharmacies
• Missing trial/failure documentation

How to avoid it:

• Track PA renewal dates
• Send insurers the “big three”:
• symptom severity
• functional impairment
• history of medication response
• Keep a template letter for PA renewals (this cuts time by 70%)
• Document Patient’s improved function → insurers want to see benefit

Denial Reason #6: Missing Documentation Supporting Telehealth ADHD Services

ADHD is one of the most telehealth-used diagnoses in the U.S., and insurers know it. Some look for excuses to deny these visits.

Why it gets denied:

• Incorrect place-of-service code
• No notation that telehealth was used
• No patient consent documented
• State-specific rules ignored

How to avoid it:

• Always include the telehealth essentials:
• “Visit conducted via real-time audio-video telehealth.”
• Location of patient and provider
• Consent obtained
• POS code 10 or 02 (depending on payer)

This tiny checklist prevents 90% of telehealth denials.

Denial Reason #7: Incorrect Pairing of CPT Codes With ADHD Diagnosis

Some payers don’t accept ADHD codes with specific assessments or therapy services.

Why it gets denied:

• Wrong CPT/ICD combination
• Missing justification for extended sessions
• E/M + therapy billed incorrectly

How to avoid it:

• Use ADHD codes with these CPTs safely:
• 90791 (psych eval)
• 90792 (with medical services)
• 90832 / 90834 / 90837 (therapy sessions)
• 99213 / 99214 (medication management)
• Add a brief note explaining why therapy is part of ADHD management
• ADHD often comes with anxiety, depression, and sleep trouble—documenting this avoids mismatch denials.

Final Thoughts

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions — yet it’s also one of the easiest to miscode. When you pick the wrong ICD code, you set off a chain reaction:

• medication denials
• visit denials
• prior auth delays
• incorrect risk levels
• inaccurate documentation
• billing problems that return months later

But when you choose the correct ADHD ICD code — and support it with clear, clean clinical documentation — everything flows smoothly.

• F90.9 is fine for early evaluations, unclear records, or mixed-symptom cases.
• F90.0, F90.1, and F90.2 are better for ongoing treatment.

Get the diagnosis code right, and ADHD billing stops being a struggle.

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