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Cracking the Code
Gender Identity Disorders
- Published on April 14, 2022
There has been confusion about how to accurately report the following diagnosis codes: F64.0 and F64.2. In October 2016, the ICD-10-CM coding guidance updated chapter 5, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (F01-F99) to reflect the most up-to-date information in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5). In October 2016, category F64 was expanded with a new code F64.0, transsexualism. Per ICD-10-CM Tabular index, gender identity disorder in adolescence and adulthood and gender dysphoria in adolescents and adults falls under this diagnosis code as well. F64.2 captures gender identity disorder in childhood; gender dysphoria in children also falls under this diagnosis code.
To report the most appropriate diagnosis code, coders should pay very close attention to the documentation to ensure accuracy and coding to highest level of specificity. If the provider documents transsexualism, gender identity disorder, or gender dysphoria in adolescence and adulthood, then it is appropriate to assign F64.0. If the provider documents gender identity disorder or dysphoria in children, then it is appropriate to assign F64.2.