2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F81.0Specific reading disorder
ICD-10-CM Codes›F01–F99›F80-F89›F81
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Chronic Condition
F81.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for specific reading disorder. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 886. Coders also document this condition as basic learning problem. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Neurodevelopmental disorders.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Basic learning problem
- Basic learning problem in reading
- Developmental dyslexia
- Developmental reading disorder
- Difficulty reading
- Dyslexia
- Finding related to ability to read
- Specific reading disorder
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Inclusion Terms
- 'Backward reading'
- Developmental dyslexia
- Specific learning disorder, with impairment in reading
- Specific reading retardation
Type 1 Excludes
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.
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.
Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance
Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.
developmental F81.0
Disorder (of) See Also: Disease;
developmental (specific) F81.0
reading F81.0
developmental F81.0
Mirror writing F81.0
Strephosymbolia F81.0
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Clinical InformationClinical
Dyslexia
a cognitive disorder characterized by an impaired ability to comprehend written and printed words or phrases despite intact vision. this condition may be developmental or acquired. developmental dyslexia is marked by reading achievement that falls substantially below that expected given the individual's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education. the disturbance in reading significantly interferes with academic achievement or with activities of daily living that require reading skills. (from dsm-iv)Dyslexia, Acquired
a receptive visual aphasia characterized by the loss of a previously possessed ability to comprehend the meaning or significance of handwritten words, despite intact vision. this condition may be associated with posterior cerebral artery infarction (infarction, posterior cerebral artery) and other brain diseases.Dyslexia
a learning disorder characterized by an impairment in processing written words. reading difficulties can include distortions, omissions or substitutions of characters. oral and silent reading difficulties can include faulty and slow comprehension.
Patient EducationClinical
Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are conditions that affect the ability to learn. They can cause problems with:
The full article covers:
- What is a learning disability?
- What causes learning disabilities?
- How are learning disabilities diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for learning disabilities?
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert F81.0 to ICD-9-CMHistory
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About F81.0Overview
What is the ICD-10 code for specific reading disorder?
The ICD-10-CM code for specific reading disorder is F81.0 (sometimes written as F810). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Is F81.0 (Specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report specific reading disorder on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does F81.0 group to?
When specific reading disorder is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 886 (behavioral and Developmental Disorders), which carries a relative weight of 2.0753. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of F81.0?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, specific reading disorder converts to ICD-9-CM 315.00 (reading disorder NOS) and 315.02 (developmental dyslexia). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
