ICD-10 Code F20.0 – Paranoid Schizophrenia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F20.0 – Paranoid schizophrenia
What it is
F20.0 identifies paranoid schizophrenia, a schizophrenia subtype marked by prominent delusions and often hallucinations. Use it when the record clearly supports this specific diagnosis rather than schizophrenia in general.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include persecutory or grandiose delusions, auditory hallucinations, and suspiciousness. Thought disorder, catatonia, or marked disorganized behavior may be less prominent; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use F20.0 when the clinician documents paranoid schizophrenia or clearly describes schizophrenia with paranoid features. It is appropriate for established diagnoses in outpatient, inpatient, and follow-up settings when the subtype is confirmed.
Code this only when the medical record supports schizophrenia, not isolated paranoia or psychosis from another cause. If the note says “schizophrenia” without subtype detail, check documentation before assigning F20.0.
Do not use for
Do not use F20.0 for brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, substance-induced psychosis, or schizophrenia unspecified. Do not assume this code from suspicion alone; check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for the exact phrase “paranoid schizophrenia” or equivalent documented subtype before coding F20.0.