F88 – Other disorders of psychological development

F88 diagnosis code: Other disorders of psychological development

The F88 diagnosis code is part of the ICD-10  and falls under the category of other disorders of psychological development. It is used when a psychological developmental disorder does not fit neatly into more specific diagnostic categories, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech and language disorders, or intellectual disabilities.

This code is typically applied to cases where a child or individual presents with developmental challenges that affect cognitive, emotional, or social functioning but do not align with well-defined conditions.

Is the F88 billable?

Yes, the F88 ICD-10 code is billable and can designate a patient for reimbursement.

Clinical information

• Individuals diagnosed with F88 often exhibit global developmental delay, affecting cognitive skills, motor function, speech and language abilities, and social-emotional development. Cognitive impairments may involve difficulties with learning, problem-solving, and adapting to new situations.
• Motor function delays may be evident through clumsiness, poor coordination, or struggles with fine motor tasks like handwriting. Language development issues include delayed speech, trouble forming sentences, and difficulty understanding verbal communication. Social and emotional challenges are also common, with individuals experiencing difficulties in emotional regulation, trouble forming relationships, and a higher risk of developing emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression.
• Diagnosing F88 requires a comprehensive developmental screening conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Neuropsychological testing assesses cognitive function, emotional regulation, and behavioral patterns. Speech and language assessments determine the extent of communication difficulties, while behavioral observations provide insights into social interaction and emotional control.
• In some cases, genetic testing and medical history evaluations may help rule out underlying causes. Since F88 is a diagnosis of exclusion, it is only assigned when an individual’s developmental challenges do not fully meet the criteria for other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills (F81), intellectual disabilities (F70-F79) or pervasive developmental disorders (F84).
• Management of F88 involves a multidisciplinary and individualized approach based on the individual’s developmental delays. Early intervention programs are critical in addressing developmental delays during early childhood.
• Speech and language therapy helps improve communication skills, while occupational therapy develops motor coordination and self-care abilities. Behavioral therapy assists in emotional regulation and social skill development, and special education services provide customized learning strategies for children with cognitive challenges. Parental support programs equip families with techniques to enhance their child’s progress at home.
• The long-term outlook for individuals diagnosed with F88 varies depending on factors such as developmental delay severity, co-occurring conditions, early diagnosis, and access to intervention services. Many individuals benefit significantly from targeted therapeutic approaches from their healthcare providers, showing improvements in cognitive, motor, and social development. However, some individuals may continue to experience persistent developmental difficulties into adulthood, affecting education, employment, and social relationships.

F88 synonyms include

• Autistic disorder of childhood onset
• Constitutional aplastic anemia
• Developmental agnosia
• Developmental delay due to methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
• Developmental delay with autism spectrum disorder and gait instability
• Developmental delay, facial dysmorphism syndrome due to MED13L deficiency
• Developmental regression
• Expected normal physiological development

Other ICD-10 codes for disorders of psychological development:

• F80.0: Phonological disorder
• F80.1: Expressive language disorder
• F80.2: Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder
• F80.3: Acquired aphasia with epilepsy
• F80.8: Other developmental disorders of speech and language
• F81.0: Specific reading disorder
• F81.2: Mathematics disorder
• F84.2: Rett's syndrome
• F84.3: Other childhood disintegrative disorder