ICD-10 Coding for Affective Disorder(F32.0, F32.1, F32.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Affective Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Affective Disorder
F30-F39Primary Range
Mood [affective] disorders
This range includes all mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and unspecified mood disorders.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild | Use when a patient presents with a single episode of mild depression. |
|
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate | Use when a patient presents with a single episode of moderate depression. |
|
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features | Use when a patient presents with a single episode of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for affective disorder
Essential facts and insights about Affective Disorder
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for affective disorder
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Patient exhibits mild depressive symptoms.
Applicable To
- Depressive episode, mild
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 5-9
- Presence of depressive symptoms for at least two weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if severity is not properly assessed.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation includes severity and episode type.
F32.1 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Use when a patient presents with a single episode of moderate depression.
Applicable To
- Depressive episode, moderate
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 10-14
- Presence of depressive symptoms for at least two weeks
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes severity and episode type.
F32.2 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
Use when a patient presents with a single episode of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Depressive episode, severe without psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 15-19
- Presence of depressive symptoms for at least two weeks
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes severity and episode type.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Problems in relationship with spouse or partner
Z63.0Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder, unspecified
F31.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Affective Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify if the episode is single or recurrent., Use templates that prompt for episode type.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the severity and specify if it's a single or recurrent episode.
Impact
Using unspecified codes like F32.9 without proper documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all clinical notes specify severity and episode type.
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 Affective Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Affective Disorder
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Affective Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial Evaluation of Depression
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- PHQ-9 score
- Symptom duration
- Severity assessment
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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