ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for reading developmental difficult
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Difficult, difficulty (in) › reading (developmental)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding reading developmental difficult
The ICD-10-CM code for reading developmental difficult is F81.0 (Specific reading disorder). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on F81.0.
Within F81 (specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills), F81.0 is specifically for specific reading disorder. Related codes cover Mathematics disorder (F81.2), other developmental disorders of scholastic skills (F81.8) and developmental disorder of scholastic skills, unspecified (F81.9).
Don't report F81.0 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: alexia NOS (R48.0) and dyslexia NOS (R48.0).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific reading developmental difficult codes (official index)
- secondary to emotional disorders F93.9 — Childhood emotional disorder, unspecified
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for F81.0)
Common questions about reading developmental difficult ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for reading developmental difficult?
- F81.0 — Specific reading disorder. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: F93.9.
What is the ICD-10 code for secondary to emotional disorders reading developmental difficult?
- F93.9 — Childhood emotional disorder, unspecified.
Is F81.0 billable?
- Yes. F81.0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can F81.0 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict F81.0 as a principal diagnosis.
Is F81.0 a CC or MCC?
- No. F81.0 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.