ICD-10 Code for Difficult

The ICD-10-CM 2027 alphabetic index lists difficult, difficulty with the subterms below. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (22 codes, 21 billable).

Index entries for Difficult

acculturation – Z60.3
feeding – R63.30
- elderly – R63.39
- infant NOS – R63.39
- newborn – P92.9
  - breast – P92.5
  - specified NEC – P92.8
- nonorganic (infant or child) – F98.29
- specified NEC – R63.39
intubation, in anesthesia – T88.4 (header)
mechanical, gastroduodenal stoma – K91.89
- causing obstruction – K91.30 – see also Obstruction, intestine, postoperative
micturition
- need to immediately re-void – R39.191
- position dependent – R39.192
- specified NEC – R39.198
reading (developmental) – F81.0
- secondary to emotional disorders – F93.9
spelling (specific) – F81.81
- with reading disorder – F81.89
- due to inadequate teaching – Z55.8
swallowing – see Dysphagia
understanding
- health related information – Z55.6
- medication instructions – Z55.6
walking – R26.2
work
- conditions NEC – Z56.5
- schedule – Z56.3

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.