ICD-10 Code F73 – Profound Intellectual Disabilities (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F73 – Profound intellectual disabilities
What it is
F73 identifies profound intellectual disabilities, a severe lifelong impairment in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. You use this code when documentation shows the most severe level of intellectual disability.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include very limited communication, major dependence for daily care, and marked impairment in learning, reasoning, and self-care skills.
When to use this code
Use F73 when the record clearly states profound intellectual disabilities or an equivalent diagnosis. It may also apply when the clinician documents severe global developmental impairment with profound functional limitations. Check documentation for the exact wording and any associated conditions.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for mild, moderate, or unspecified intellectual disability. Do not assign it when the chart only mentions developmental delay, learning problems, or cognitive impairment without a confirmed diagnosis.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider’s documented severity level before coding, because F73 is reserved for the most severe intellectual disability category.