ICD-10 Coding for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder(F10.20, F10.22)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
F10.2-F10.29Primary Range
Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol
This range includes codes for alcohol dependence and related complications, which are central to severe alcohol use disorder.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F10.20 | Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated | Use when severe alcohol use disorder is diagnosed without any acute complications. |
|
| F10.22 | Alcohol dependence with intoxication | Use when severe alcohol use disorder is accompanied by acute intoxication. |
|
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 severe alcohol use disorder
Essential facts and insights about Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alcohol use disorder severe
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of 6 or more DSM-5 criteria for severe AUD
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'severe alcohol use disorder' in clinical notes
Applicable To
- Chronic alcoholism
- Severe alcohol use disorder without complications
Excludes
- Alcohol abuse without dependence (F10.10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of severe alcohol use disorder with at least 6 DSM-5 criteria
- Quantified alcohol consumption and physiological markers
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if complications are present but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'severe' and lists DSM-5 criteria.
F10.22 - Alcohol dependence with intoxication
Use when severe alcohol use disorder is accompanied by acute intoxication.
Applicable To
- Severe alcohol use disorder with acute intoxication
Excludes
- Alcohol withdrawal (F10.23)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented signs of intoxication such as altered mental status or high BAC
Coding Notes
Sequence intoxication first when present.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Severe Alcohol Use Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.20.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate severity assessment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates to ensure all criteria are documented, Regular training on DSM-5 criteria
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of complication coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes any present complications such as intoxication or withdrawal.
Impact
Failure to document and code complications can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement thorough documentation practices for all symptoms and complications.
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 Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Severe AUD with Intoxication
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient history of alcohol use
- DSM-5 criteria met
- Intoxication symptoms
- BAC level
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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