Such experts may refer to the F82 and F88 billable codes in the ICD-10-CM; these codes may specify diagnoses encompassing symptoms of sensory processing and integration disorders. Don't miss out on our special offer. The ICD-10-CM code F88 is used for a diagnosis of other disorders of psychological development.
Obtaining reimbursement for the treatment of sensory processing disorder may be tricky when a billable code to specify the diagnosis is a requirement. Certain classification systems may not even recognize the disorder—is the ICD-10-CM the code that legitimizes sensory processing disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) has an almost ghost-like presence in the medical world. Some doctors—mostly conventional—simply do not believe it is or should ever be a distinct disorder. Others seem almost frightened when parents mention their child’s meltdown triggered by the sound of a hoover.
Such experts may refer to the F82 and F88 billable codes in the ICD-10-CM; these codes may specify diagnoses encompassing symptoms of sensory processing and integration disorders.
This may be the reason some doctors and occupational therapists recommend using other ICD codes to identify the components of sensory processing disorder most applicable to your child instead of vague “other condition” type codes.
In this case the ICD-10-CM code F82 (Specific developmental disorder of motor function) may be appropriate.
The ICD-10-CM classification system refers to “Sensory integration disorder” as an “Approximate Synonym” under the F88 code: a billable/specific code that could be utilized to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Sometimes SPD is described simply as the brain not processing, or integrating, sensory inputs in the correct way . This may be oversimplifying a complex condition, one that many prefer to refer to as sensory processing differences rather than difficulties or disorder.
A study (Tomchek & Dunn, 2007) found that 95% of the sample of autistic children displayed some degree of sensory dysfunction. Parents and many occupational therapists agree that almost all kids on the spectrum process sensory stimuli differently to neurotypical peers.
For example the Hyperesthesia code (R20.3, ICD-10-CM) may be applicable if your child experiences atypical or increased sensitivity to stimulation. Many children on the spectrum benefit from occupational therapy for tactile hypersensitivity, if this specific symptom requires invention your occupational therapist will be able to assist with the applicable ICD code.