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ICD Hub / Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders (F01–F99) / 6A00.Z - Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 6A00.Z - Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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What is 6A00.Z: Disorders of Intellectual Development, Unspecified?

This section introduces the ICD-11 code `6A00.Z`, which represents "Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified." This diagnostic code is used within the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, to classify conditions characterised by significant impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour that manifest during the developmental period. The "unspecified" designation indicates that while the condition is recognised, specific details regarding the degree of impairment or the underlying cause have not been documented or determined at the time of coding. This code serves as a placeholder when a diagnosis of intellectual development disorder is made but further classification is not possible or necessary for the current record.

Common Synonyms for Intellectual Development Disorders

Individuals and healthcare professionals may encounter various terms when referring to disorders of intellectual development. While the official ICD-11 terminology is "Disorders of intellectual development," common clinical synonyms include intellectual disability and intellectual developmental disorder. Historically, the term mental retardation was also used. Patient-friendly terms such as learning difficulties may also be used to describe some aspects of these conditions. The ICD-11 code `6A00.Z` encompasses these conditions when they are not further specified.

Recognising the Signs of Intellectual Development Disorders

The presentation of intellectual development disorders can vary widely. When a condition is coded as `6A00.Z`, it implies that specific details about the severity or type of impairment are not recorded. However, general signs may include significant limitations in cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and learning from experience. Deficits in adaptive behaviours, which are the skills needed for daily living, such as communication, social interaction, and practical self-care skills, are also characteristic. These limitations become apparent during childhood or adolescence.

Diagnosing Intellectual Development Disorders

The diagnosis of an intellectual development disorder, which would lead to the use of a code like `6A00.Z` if unspecified, typically requires a comprehensive assessment. This involves evaluating general mental abilities through standardised intelligence tests and assessing adaptive functioning across conceptual, social, and practical domains. The onset of these limitations must be evident during the developmental period. For the `6A00.Z` code, the diagnosis is made, but specific quantitative measures or qualitative descriptions of the impairment are not detailed in the record.

Understanding the Causes of Intellectual Development Disorders

Intellectual development disorders can arise from a multitude of factors, including genetic conditions, prenatal influences, birth complications, and early childhood illnesses or injuries. However, the ICD-11 code `6A00.Z` is specifically designated for cases where the underlying cause or aetiology is not specified or is unknown. While research continues to identify specific causes for many intellectual development disorders, this code allows for classification when such details are not available for documentation or clinical reporting purposes.

Coding and Documentation for ICD-11 Code 6A00.Z

The ICD-11 code `6A00.Z` is used for "Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified." This code is reportable and billable when a diagnosis of intellectual development disorder is established but specific details regarding the severity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) or the precise aetiology are not documented. A key coding note associated with disorders of intellectual development in ICD-11 advises the use of additional codes to identify any known aetiology if that information is available. Proper documentation should reflect the clinical assessment that led to the diagnosis, even if specific details for further classification are absent.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification for 'Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified'?
In ICD-11, 'Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified' (code 6A00.Z) is a category within the 'Neurodevelopmental disorders' chapter, used when a disorder of intellectual development is identified but cannot be further specified.
When should the ICD-11 code 6A00.Z, 'Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified', be used for coding?
The ICD-11 code 6A00.Z is used when a disorder of intellectual development is identified, but the specific type or severity cannot be determined or documented.
What is the distinction between ICD-11's 'Disorders of intellectual development, unspecified' (6A00.Z) and its specified severity codes (e.g., 6A00.0, 6A00.1)?
Specified codes require assessment of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour to determine the level of severity (e.g., mild, moderate). The unspecified code 6A00.Z is used when such a determination is not possible or documented.
How does ICD-11 define 'Disorders of intellectual development' generally?
ICD-11 classifies 'Disorders of intellectual development' as a group of etiologically diverse conditions originating during the developmental period, characterized by significant impairment in intellectual and adaptive functioning.
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