Unspecified Intellectual Disability (F79)
DSM-5-TR: Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Unspecified)
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F70-F79
Overview
Intellectual disability is evident but there is insufficient information to assign the individual to one of the specific severity categories (F70-F73).
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Mental deficiency NOS
- Mental subnormality NOS
Australian Clinical Context
Used as an initial code when intellectual disability is suspected but formal assessment has not yet been completed. Should be updated to a specific severity code once assessment is available.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Medicare pathway for assessment and treatment of complex neurodevelopmental disorders and eligible disabilities in individuals under 25. Covers multi-disciplinary assessment and ongoing treatment.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Speech Pathologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Occupational Therapist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
| Audiologist | 82000–82035 | Assessment |
| Physiotherapist | 82000–82035 | Assessment and treatment |
Psychologist
Speech Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Audiologist
Physiotherapist
GP referral items: Item 135 (paediatrician/psychiatrist referral)
Eligibility: Under 25 years with impairment across 2 or more neurodevelopmental domains requiring complex multi-domain support. Referral by paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Exclusions:
- ADHD alone (use standard Better Access pathway)
- Over 25 years of age
Excluded from Better Access. Under-25s may access the CND pathway. Over-25s: NDIS-funded services or specialist referral.
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
Use only temporarily until formal psychometric and adaptive behaviour assessment can be completed. Review and update the diagnosis.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Unspecified Intellectual Disability (F79).
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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