Hallucinations, unspecified

This code signifies the presence of sensory perceptions that occur in the absence of an external stimulus, which are not further specified as auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, or tactile. It represents a general diagnosis of hallucinations when the specific type is unknown or not documented.

Use this code when the medical record indicates a patient is experiencing hallucinations, but the documentation does not specify the sensory modality (e.g., "patient reports seeing things" or "patient experiencing hallucinations"). This code is appropriate when the provider's assessment broadly notes hallucinations without further detail.

• Avoid using this code if the type of hallucination is documented (e.g., use F20.3 for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia).
• Always query the provider for clarification on the specific type of hallucination if possible, to allow for more precise coding.
• This code is often a symptom of an underlying mental health condition or medical disorder; code the underlying condition as the primary diagnosis if known.