ICD-10 Coding for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood(F43.21)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
F43.2Primary Range
Adjustment disorders
This range includes all adjustment disorders, with F43.21 specifically for those with depressed mood.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Essential facts and insights about Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for adjustment disorder depressed mood
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of a stressor within 3 months
documentation Criteria
- Symptoms linked to stressor and duration documented
Applicable To
- Adjustment disorder with depressive symptoms
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Identifiable stressor within 3 months
- Depressive symptoms disproportionate to stressor
- Duration of symptoms less than 6 months
- Does not meet criteria for major depressive disorder
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as major depressive disorder
- Omitting the stressor in documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure the stressor is documented and linked to the depressive symptoms.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Relationship distress with spouse or partner
Z63.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F43.21.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates that prompt for stressor documentation., Regular training on documentation standards.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Document the specific stressor and use F43.21 with appropriate Z codes.
Impact
Lack of stressor documentation can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all clinical notes include stressor details.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial psychiatric evaluation for adjustment disorder
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Stressor identification
- Symptom description
- Duration of symptoms
- Exclusion of major depressive disorder
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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