ICD-9 Code V79.8

Screening for other specified mental disorders and developmental handicaps

Not Valid for Submission

V79.8 is a legacy non-billable code used to specify a medical diagnosis of screening for other specified mental disorders and developmental handicaps. This code was replaced on September 30, 2015 by its ICD-10 equivalent.

ICD-9: V79.8
Short Description:Screen-mental dis NEC
Long Description:Screening for other specified mental disorders and developmental handicaps

Convert V79.8 to ICD-10

The following crosswalk between ICD-9 to ICD-10 is based based on the General Equivalence Mappings (GEMS) information:

  • Z13.4 - Encntr screen for certain developmental disorders in chldhd

Code Classification

  • Supplementary classification of factors influencing health status and contact with health services (E)
    • Persons without reported diagnosis encountered during examination and investigation of individuals and populations (V70-V82)
      • V79 Special screening for mental disorders and developmental handicaps

Information for Medical Professionals

Index to Diseases and Injuries

References found for the code V79.8 in the Index of Diseases and Injuries:


Information for Patients


Mental Health Screening

What is a mental health screening?

A mental health screening is an exam of your emotional health. It helps find out if you have a mental disorder. Mental disorders are common. They affect more than half of all Americans at some point in their lives. There are many types of mental disorders. Some of the most common disorders include:

  • Depression and mood disorders. These mental disorders are different than normal sadness or grief. They can cause extreme sadness, anger, and/or frustration.
  • Anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause excessive worry or fear at real or imagined situations.
  • Eating disorders. These disorders cause obsessive thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Eating disorders may cause people to severely limit the amount of food they eat, excessively overeat (binge), or do a combination of both.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in children. It can also continue into adulthood. People with ADHD have trouble paying attention and controlling impulsive behavior.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder can happen after you live through a traumatic life event, such as a war or serious accident. People with PTSD feel stressed and afraid, even long after the danger is over.
  • Substance abuse and addictive disorders. These disorders involve excessive use of alcohol or drugs. People with substance abuse disorders are at risk for overdose and death.
  • Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression. People with bipolar disorder have alternating episodes of mania (extreme highs) and depression.
  • Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. These are among the most serious psychiatric disorders. They can cause people to see, hear, and/or believe things that aren't real.

The effects of mental disorders range from mild to severe to life-threatening. Fortunately, many people with mental disorders can be successfully treated with medicine and/or talk therapy.

Other names: mental health assessment, mental illness test, psychological evaluation, psychology test, psychiatric evaluation

What is it used for?

A mental health screening is used to help diagnose mental disorders. Your primary care provider may use a mental health screening to see if you need to go to a mental health provider. A mental health provider is a health care professional that specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. If you are already seeing a mental health provider, you may get a mental health screening to help guide your treatment.

Why do I need a mental health screening?

You may need a mental health screening if you have symptoms of a mental disorder. Symptoms vary depending on the type of disorder, but common signs may include:

  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Extreme sadness
  • Major changes in personality, eating habits, and/or sleeping patterns
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Anger, frustration, or irritability
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Confused thinking and trouble concentrating
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Avoidance of social activities

One of the most serious signs of a mental disorder is thinking about or attempting suicide. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or about suicide, seek help right away. There are many ways to get help. You can:

  • Call 911 or your local emergency room
  • Call your mental health provider or other health care provider
  • Reach out to a loved one or close friend
  • Call a suicide hotline. In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
  • If you are a veteran, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or send a text to 838255

What happens during a mental health screening?

Your primary care provider may give you a physical exam and ask you about your feelings, mood, behavior patterns, and other symptoms. Your provider may also order a blood test to find out if a physical disorder, such as thyroid disease, may be causing mental health symptoms.

During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

If you are being tested by a mental health provider, he or she may ask you more detailed questions about your feelings and behaviors. You may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about these issues.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for a mental health screening?

You don't need any special preparations for a mental health screening.

Are there any risks to screening?

There is no risk to having a physical exam or taking a questionnaire.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

If you are diagnosed with a mental disorder, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible. Treatment may help prevent long-term suffering and disability. Your specific treatment plan will depend on the type of disorder you have and how serious it is.

Is there anything else I need to know about a mental health screening?

There are many types of providers who treat mental disorders. The most common types of mental health providers include:

  • Psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They can also prescribe medicine.
  • Psychologist, a professional trained in psychology. Psychologists generally have doctoral degrees. But they do not have medical degrees. Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They offer one-on-one counseling and/or group therapy sessions. They can't prescribe medicine, unless they have a special license. Some psychologists work with providers who are able to prescribe medicine.
  • Licensed clinical social worker (L.C.S.W.) has a master's degree in social work with training in mental health. Some have additional degrees and training. L.C.S.W.s diagnose and provide counseling for a variety of mental health problems. They can't prescribe medicine, but can work with providers who are able to.
  • Licensed professional counselor. (L.P.C.). Most L.P.C.s have a master's degree. But training requirements vary by state. L.P.C.s diagnose and provide counseling for a variety of mental health problems. They can't prescribe medicine, but can work with providers who are able to.
  • Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are specially trained nurses who have a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing. They assess, diagnose, and treat a variety of mental health disorders. Some ARPNs can prescribe medicines.

C.S.W.s and L.P.C.s may be known by other names, including therapist, clinician, or counselor.

If you don't know which type of mental health provider you should see, talk to your primary care provider.

References

  1. American Psychiatric Nurses Association [Internet]. Falls Church (VA): American Psychiatric Nurses Association; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses; [cited 2021 Aug 2]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3292 
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Learn About Mental Health; [updated 2018 Jan 26; cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn
  3. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2018. Mental health providers: Tips on finding one; 2017 May 16 [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health-providers/art-20045530
  4. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2018. Mental illness: Diagnosis and treatment; 2015 Oct 13 [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374974
  5. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2018. Mental illness: Symptoms and causes; 2015 Oct 13 [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
  6. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan [Internet]. Ann Arbor (MI): Regents of the University of Michigan; c1995–2018. Mental Health Assessment: How It Is Done; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa79756#tp16780
  7. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan [Internet]. Ann Arbor (MI): Regents of the University of Michigan; c1995–2018. Mental Health Assessment: Results; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa79756#tp16783
  8. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan [Internet]. Ann Arbor (MI): Regents of the University of Michigan; c1995–2018. Mental Health Assessment: Test Overview; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa79756
  9. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan [Internet]. Ann Arbor (MI): Regents of the University of Michigan; c1995–2018. Mental Health Assessment: Why It Is Done; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa79756#tp16778
  10. Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2018. Overview of Mental Illness; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/overview-of-mental-health-care/overview-of-mental-illness
  11. National Alliance on Mental Illness [Internet]. Arlington (VA): NAMI; c2018. Know the Warning Signs [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Know-the-Warning-Signs
  12. National Alliance on Mental Illness [Internet]. Arlington (VA): NAMI; c2018. Mental Health Screening; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Public-Policy/Mental-Health-Screening
  13. National Alliance on Mental Illness [Internet]. Arlington (VA): NAMI; c2018. Types of Mental Health Professionals; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Types-of-Mental-Health-Professionals
  14. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
  15. National Institute of Mental Health [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Eating Disorders; [updated 2016 Feb; cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
  16. National Institute of Mental Health [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Mental Illness; [updated 2017 Nov; cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml
  17. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2018. Health Encyclopedia: Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation; [cited 2018 Oct 19]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00752

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ICD-9 Footnotes

General Equivalence Map Definitions
The ICD-9 and ICD-10 GEMs are used to facilitate linking between the diagnosis codes in ICD-9-CM and the new ICD-10-CM code set. The GEMs are the raw material from which providers, health information vendors and payers can derive specific applied mappings to meet their needs.

  • Approximate Flag - The approximate flag is on, indicating that the relationship between the code in the source system and the code in the target system is an approximate equivalent.
  • No Map Flag - The no map flag indicates that a code in the source system is not linked to any code in the target system.
  • Combination Flag - The combination flag indicates that more than one code in the target system is required to satisfy the full equivalent meaning of a code in the source system.

Index of Diseases and Injuries Definitions

  • And - The word "and" should be interpreted to mean either "and" or "or" when it appears in a title.
  • Code also note - A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
  • Code first - Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
  • Type 1 Excludes Notes - A type 1 Excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • Type 2 Excludes Notes - A type 2 Excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • Includes Notes - This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • Inclusion terms - List of terms is included under some codes. These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
  • NEC "Not elsewhere classifiable" - This abbreviation in the Alphabetic Index represents "other specified". When a specific code is not available for a condition, the Alphabetic Index directs the coder to the "other specified” code in the Tabular List.
  • NOS "Not otherwise specified" - This abbreviation is the equivalent of unspecified.
  • See - The "see" instruction following a main term in the Alphabetic Index indicates that another term should be referenced. It is necessary to go to the main term referenced with the "see" note to locate the correct code.
  • See Also - A "see also" instruction following a main term in the Alphabetic Index instructs that there is another main term that may also be referenced that may provide additional Alphabetic Index entries that may be useful. It is not necessary to follow the "see also" note when the original main term provides the necessary code.
  • 7th Characters - Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
  • With - The word "with" should be interpreted to mean "associated with" or "due to" when it appears in a code title, the Alphabetic Index, or an instructional note in the Tabular List. The word "with" in the Alphabetic Index is sequenced immediately following the main term, not in alphabetical order.