ICD-10 Code F79 – Unspecified intellectual disabilities (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F79 – Unspecified intellectual disabilities
What it is
F79 identifies intellectual disability when the record confirms the condition but does not specify the severity level. Use it for a general diagnosis of impaired intellectual functioning and adaptive skills when documentation is limited.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, records note below-average intellectual functioning, difficulty with adaptive behavior, and limitations in learning, reasoning, or daily living skills.
When to use this code
Use F79 when the provider documents intellectual disability without stating mild, moderate, severe, or profound. It also fits when the chart supports intellectual disability, but the severity cannot be confirmed from available information. If the note is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code when the severity is documented more specifically, such as mild or severe intellectual disability. Do not use it for isolated learning problems, developmental delay, or other neurodevelopmental conditions without an intellectual disability diagnosis.
Coding tip
If the severity is missing, query for clarification before defaulting to F79.