Developmental Delay ICD-10-CM Codes

Developmental Delay ICD-10-CM Codes

Discover the key ICD-10 codes for diagnosing and billing developmental delay. Understand what each code represents in clinical practice.

By Emma Hainsworth on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

Use Code

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Developmental Delays

An accurate understanding of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes of developmental delays is crucial for precise medical documentation and billing. This list references the most frequently used codes in this situation, each with its associated clinical description.

  1. F81.9: Developmental disorder of academic skills, unspecified: This code is applied when a particular developmental disorder isn't specified, but the individual exhibits noticeable difficulties in acquiring specific academic skills.

  2. F88: Other disorders of psychological development: This code refers to atypical psychological development that doesn't align with other specified categories. It might cover a variety of symptoms and behavioral patterns that aren't encompassed by more specific diagnoses.

  3. R62.50: Unspecified lack of expected normal physiological development in childhood: This broad code encapsulates a range of developmental delays that have yet to be further specified or diagnosed. It is often used when a child lags in achieving certain developmental milestones.

  4. F83: Mixed specific developmental disorders: This code is assigned when a child exhibits a combination of specific developmental disorders that don't permit more precise coding. The presence of mixed disorders indicates significant interruptions in development across various domains.

  5. F82: Specific developmental disorder of motor function: This code is for instances where the predominant issue is a delay in developing motor skills. Children with this disorder might struggle with tasks like holding a pencil, buttoning clothes, or coordinating movements.

  6. Z13.42: Encounter for screening for autism spectrum disorder: This code is used during the screening process for developmental delays related to autism spectrum disorder. Early identification of autism can be critical to initiating necessary interventions.

You may find the following explainer video helpful for a clearer understanding of these complex codes and their application.

For sample application or a practical understanding, explore our Developmental Delay ICD Codes.

Which Developmental Delay ICD codes are Billable?

The following ICD-10 codes for developmental delays are billable: 

  • F81.9
  • F88
  • R62.50
  • F83
  • F82
  • Z13.42

However, it's important to ensure accurate coding and billing according to specific payer guidelines and individual patient medical records.

Clinical Information

  • Developmental delay is when a child fails to achieve expected developmental milestones within standard timelines.
  • The areas impacted by developmental delay are multifaceted and can involve:

Physical Skills: Delays in acquiring motor skills such as crawling, walking, or coordination

Cognitive Skills: Difficulties in learning, understanding, problem-solving, or memory

Communication Skills: Struggles with speech and language comprehension or expression

Social Skills: Challenges in interacting with others, understanding social cues, or sharing

Emotional Skills: Issues related to experiencing, expressing, or regulating emotions.

  • The diagnosis of developmental delays primarily involves developmental screenings during routine pediatric visits. These screenings assess a child's performance across a range of developmental areas.
  • It's crucial to differentiate between temporary developmental delays, which can improve with appropriate interventions, and more permanent conditions, such as developmental disabilities. The latter may require more comprehensive and ongoing support.

Synonyms Include:

  • Delay in development
  • Delayed milestone
  • Developmental lag
  • Late walker
  • Late talker
Electronic Health Records Software

Commonly asked questions

These codes should be used when documenting a confirmed diagnosis of a developmental delay in a patient's medical record.

Treatments vary depending on the cause and severity of the delay. They may include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or educational interventions.

A diagnosis code for Developmental Delay indicates that a patient has a delay in one or more areas of development that is significant enough to warrant clinical attention.

Related ICDs

EHR and practice management software

Get started for free

*No credit card required

Start for free

Free

$0/usd

Unlimited clients

Telehealth

1GB of storage

Client portal text

Automated billing and online payments