What is the ICD-10 code for fetal alcohol syndrome?

The ICD-10 code for fetal alcohol syndrome is Q86.0, used for confirmed cases with all diagnostic criteria met.

When should P04.3 be used instead of Q86.0?

P04.3 is used for newborns with suspected maternal alcohol exposure but without confirmed FAS features, while Q86.0 is for confirmed FAS cases.

ICD-10 Coding for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome(Q86.0, P04.3, R62.51)

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Learn about the ICD-10 coding for fetal alcohol syndrome, including primary code Q86.0, documentation requirements, and common coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

FASFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Q00-Q99Primary Range

Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
Q86.0	Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic)	Use for confirmed FAS cases in any age group.	All 3 facial features Growth deficiency CNS abnormalities + 1 more
P04.3	Newborn affected by maternal alcohol use	Use for newborns with suspected exposure but no confirmed FAS features.	Maternal alcohol use during pregnancy No confirmed FAS features

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic)

Q86.0Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Family history of FASDZ82.0

Use when there is a family history but no confirmed FAS in the patient.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic)Q86.0

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Vague CNS documentation

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation

Use specific neuropsychological test scores., Document deficits in specific domains.

Using Q86.0 with P04.3

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation

Delete P04.3; FAS supersedes suspected exposure codes.

Code Combination

Impact

Incorrect use of Q86.0 with P04.3.

Mitigation

Educate coders on Excludes1 notes and proper code usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Primary Code

Q86.0

Fetal alcohol syndrome (dysmorphic)

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