What is ICD-10 code F90.9?

F90.9 is the ICD-10-CM code for Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified type. The FY2027 tabular list includes "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder NOS" and "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder of childhood or adolescence NOS" under it. It is used when ADHD is documented but its presentation is not.

Is F90.9 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, F90.9 is a billable code in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set (effective October 1, 2026). It has no further subdivisions. The other billable codes in category F90 are F90.0 (predominantly inattentive type), F90.1 (predominantly hyperactive type), F90.2 (combined type), and F90.8 (other type).

When should F90.9 be used?

The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines say codes titled "unspecified" are for use when the information in the medical record is insufficient to assign a more specific code. F90.9 fits when an ADHD diagnosis is recorded, for example from an outside report or a transfer of care, but the record does not yet show which symptom groups meet threshold.

What is the difference between F90.9 and F90.8?

Under the official guidelines, "other" codes are for when the record gives detail for which no specific code exists, while "unspecified" codes are for when the record lacks detail. F90.8 (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, other type) is for a documented presentation that does not fit F90.0 to F90.2. F90.9 is for ADHD documented without that detail.

What is the difference between F90.9 and F90.0, F90.1, or F90.2?

F90.0, F90.1, and F90.2 each name a presentation. F90.0 is for inattention symptoms at diagnostic threshold, F90.1 for hyperactive-impulsive symptoms at threshold, and F90.2 for both. Once an assessment documents which threshold is met, the specific code replaces F90.9.

What are the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?

In children, ADHD requires six or more symptoms from one or both groups (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity), present often for at least six months. Symptoms must be observed before age 12 (the diagnosis may be made later), occur in at least two settings, exceed what is expected for developmental level, and interfere with functioning.

What scale is used to screen for F90.9?

For adults, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is a common screener. For children, parent and teacher forms such as the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale, or the ADHD Rating Scale-5 are standard. Rating scales should not be used alone to make a diagnosis, but item-level results help document which presentation applies.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

NIMH describes ADHD across three areas. Inattention means trouble paying attention, staying on task, and staying organized. Hyperactivity means moving around at inappropriate times, feeling restless, or talking excessively. Impulsivity means interrupting or intruding on others and having trouble waiting one's turn. Symptoms begin in childhood and usually continue into the teen years and adulthood.

What conditions can look like ADHD?

Autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, and trauma or PTSD need to be considered, along with medical causes such as sleep-disordered breathing, lead exposure, iron deficiency, and traumatic brain injury. Category F90 carries an Excludes2 note for anxiety, mood, pervasive developmental disorders, and schizophrenia, so a co-occurring condition can be coded alongside it.

NIMH lists medication and psychosocial interventions as standard ADHD treatments, with cognitive behavioural therapy, parent training, and school interventions among the psychosocial options. Stimulants are the most common medications, and atomoxetine and alpha-2 agonists are second-line options. Treatment is the same whether or not the presentation has been specified in the code.

F90.9ICD-10-CMAttention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Unspecified Type

Official ICD-10-CM descriptor: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified type · Category header, not billable: use a more specific code

ADHD documented without enough information to assign the inattentive, hyperactive, combined, or other type. The FY2027 tabular list includes "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder NOS" under this code.

Recommended screener

Validated screener
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
View scale

DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria summary

F90.9 is the unspecified code for ADHD. The underlying ADHD diagnosis requires:

Six or more symptoms (the threshold for children) of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or both, present often for at least six months.
Symptoms observed before age 12, although the diagnosis may be made later.
Symptoms in at least two settings (for example, home and school, or home and work).
Symptoms beyond what is expected for developmental level, interfering with functioning.

F90.9 is used when the record confirms ADHD but does not establish the presentation. The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines state that unspecified codes should be reported when they most accurately reflect what is known at that encounter.

Source: Sulkes, S. B. (2026). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Merck Manual Professional Edition; CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2027, Sections I.A.9 and I.B.18.

Differential diagnosis

F90.0 Predominantly Inattentive Type, inattention symptoms at threshold only.
F90.2 Combined Type, both symptom groups at threshold.
F90.1 Predominantly Hyperactive Type and F90.8 Other Type, when the record supports them.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84.0), social communication differences that can resemble inattention.
Anxiety and depressive disorders, where concentration problems may track mood or worry.
Medical causes, including sleep-disordered breathing, lead exposure, iron deficiency, and traumatic brain injury.

Common comorbidities

ADHD often co-occurs with disruptive behaviour, learning disorders, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression (NIMH). Co-administer depression and anxiety measures with the ADHD scale and code each condition that meets criteria.

Documentation patterns

Initial visit: where the ADHD diagnosis came from, current rating scale results (ASRS for adults; parent and teacher forms for children), and what is still needed to specify the presentation.
Follow-up visits: once symptom counts in each group are documented, move from F90.9 to F90.0, F90.1, or F90.2.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2026). ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries, FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026). https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Publications/ICD10CM/2027/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2026). ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2027, Sections I.A.9 and I.B.18.
Sulkes, S. B. (2026). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Merck Manual Professional Edition.
National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

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Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code F90.9?
F90.9 is the ICD-10-CM code for Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified type. The FY2027 tabular list includes "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder NOS" and "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder of childhood or adolescence NOS" under it. It is used when ADHD is documented but its presentation is not.
Is F90.9 a billable ICD-10-CM code?
Yes, F90.9 is a billable code in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set (effective October 1, 2026). It has no further subdivisions. The other billable codes in category F90 are F90.0 (predominantly inattentive type), F90.1 (predominantly hyperactive type), F90.2 (combined type), and F90.8 (other type).
When should F90.9 be used?
The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines say codes titled "unspecified" are for use when the information in the medical record is insufficient to assign a more specific code. F90.9 fits when an ADHD diagnosis is recorded, for example from an outside report or a transfer of care, but the record does not yet show which symptom groups meet threshold.
What is the difference between F90.9 and F90.8?
Under the official guidelines, "other" codes are for when the record gives detail for which no specific code exists, while "unspecified" codes are for when the record lacks detail. F90.8 (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, other type) is for a documented presentation that does not fit F90.0 to F90.2. F90.9 is for ADHD documented without that detail.
What is the difference between F90.9 and F90.0, F90.1, or F90.2?
F90.0, F90.1, and F90.2 each name a presentation. F90.0 is for inattention symptoms at diagnostic threshold, F90.1 for hyperactive-impulsive symptoms at threshold, and F90.2 for both. Once an assessment documents which threshold is met, the specific code replaces F90.9.
What are the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?
In children, ADHD requires six or more symptoms from one or both groups (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity), present often for at least six months. Symptoms must be observed before age 12 (the diagnosis may be made later), occur in at least two settings, exceed what is expected for developmental level, and interfere with functioning.
What scale is used to screen for F90.9?
For adults, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is a common screener. For children, parent and teacher forms such as the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale, or the ADHD Rating Scale-5 are standard. Rating scales should not be used alone to make a diagnosis, but item-level results help document which presentation applies.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
NIMH describes ADHD across three areas. Inattention means trouble paying attention, staying on task, and staying organized. Hyperactivity means moving around at inappropriate times, feeling restless, or talking excessively. Impulsivity means interrupting or intruding on others and having trouble waiting one's turn. Symptoms begin in childhood and usually continue into the teen years and adulthood.
What conditions can look like ADHD?
Autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, and trauma or PTSD need to be considered, along with medical causes such as sleep-disordered breathing, lead exposure, iron deficiency, and traumatic brain injury. Category F90 carries an Excludes2 note for anxiety, mood, pervasive developmental disorders, and schizophrenia, so a co-occurring condition can be coded alongside it.
How is ADHD treated?
NIMH lists medication and psychosocial interventions as standard ADHD treatments, with cognitive behavioural therapy, parent training, and school interventions among the psychosocial options. Stimulants are the most common medications, and atomoxetine and alpha-2 agonists are second-line options. Treatment is the same whether or not the presentation has been specified in the code.