Screening for unspecified mental disorder and developmental handicap

This code signifies a screening encounter for a potential mental health condition or developmental delay when the specific disorder being screened for is not yet identified or documented. It indicates a general assessment or initial inquiry into a patient's mental or developmental status without a pre-existing suspicion of a particular diagnosis.

This code is appropriate for routine screenings, such as those conducted during well-child visits, annual physicals, or general health assessments, where a broad inquiry into mental health or developmental milestones is performed. It can also be used when a patient presents with vague concerns that warrant a general mental health or developmental screening, but no specific disorder is suspected.

• Only use this code when the specific mental disorder or developmental handicap being screened for is truly unspecified.
• If a specific mental health condition or developmental delay is suspected and being screened for, use a more specific screening code (e.g., for depression, autism).
• This code should generally be followed by codes for any findings or further diagnostic workup initiated as a result of the screening.