F05 ICD-10-CM

ICD-10-CM code F05 describes delirium due to known physiological condition. Acute disturbance in attention and awareness caused by a medical condition. A medical emergency. It is a billable, specific code valid for claim submission. It is grouped under the “Neurocognitive & Organic Disorders” section of the mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders chapter.

When to use F05

Assign a code in this group when a mental or behavioral disturbance is caused by a known physiological condition, such as delirium, dementia, or another organic mental disorder. Base the selection on the documented medical workup and the specific cognitive or behavioral presentation. For F05 specifically, acute disturbance in attention and awareness caused by a medical condition. a medical emergency.

Documentation & billing

Document the underlying etiology, the cognitive or behavioral findings, and whether a behavioral disturbance is present. Pair with an etiology code (for example Alzheimer disease G30.9 or a cerebrovascular code) when the cause is identified.

Common pitfalls

• Coding dementia without documenting whether a behavioral disturbance is present.
• Omitting the underlying etiology code when the cause is known.
• Confusing acute delirium (F05) with chronic dementia.

Common search terms for F05

Clinicians often look up F05 using plain-language terms. This code maps to:

Frequently asked questions