decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2003 Issue 4 (April)
Diagnosis codes for mental problems
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article covers the relationship between DSM-PC and ICD-9 for pediatric behavioral diagnoses. It is intended for pediatric coders, primary care pediatricians, and others who need to understand how to locate mental health diagnosis information, compare it with the ICD-9 mental disorders series, and interpret the general structure of the DSM-PC reference. The article discusses broad topics such as symptom-based lookup, symptom complexes, manifestations, and the use of coding references for child and adolescent behavioral concerns.
Why This Topic Matters
Behavioral and mental health diagnoses can be difficult to code consistently, especially in pediatric primary care. This article helps readers understand which references are used together and how to approach diagnosis lookup without relying solely on the ICD-9 mental disorders section.
What You Will Learn
- How DSM-PC is used alongside ICD-9 for pediatric behavioral diagnoses
- How symptom-based lookup works in the DSM-PC reference structure
- What broad types of information the DSM-PC provides during diagnosis selection
- Who may find the DSM-PC especially useful in primary care settings
Who Should Read This
- Pediatric coders
- Primary care pediatricians
- Medical billing staff
- Behavioral health coding readers
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com