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ICD-10 Coding for Benzo Use Disorder(F13.10, F13.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benzo Use Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Benzodiazepine Use DisorderBenzodiazepine DependenceSedative Use Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benzo Use Disorder

F13.1-F13.9Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of sedatives or hypnotics

This range covers all disorders related to the use of benzodiazepines, including abuse, dependence, and withdrawal.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F13.10Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic abuse, uncomplicatedUse when the patient exhibits mild abuse without dependence.
  • Patient meets 2-3 DSM-5 criteria for substance abuse
F13.20Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, uncomplicatedUse when the patient exhibits dependence with or without withdrawal symptoms.
  • Patient meets 4 or more DSM-5 criteria for substance dependence

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 benzodiazepine use disorder

Essential facts and insights about Benzo Use Disorder

The ICD-10 code for benzodiazepine use disorder is F13.10 for abuse and F13.20 for dependence.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for benzo use disorder

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic abuse, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient meets 2-3 DSM-5 criteria for substance abuse

Applicable To

  • Mild benzodiazepine abuse

Excludes

  • Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence (F13.20)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient meets 2-3 DSM-5 criteria for substance abuse

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if dependence criteria are met

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies abuse criteria without meeting dependence.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic intoxication with perceptual disturbances

F13.12
Use when intoxication is accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal

F13.23
Use when withdrawal symptoms are present.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, uncomplicated

F13.20
Dependence involves more severe criteria including withdrawal and tolerance.

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic abuse, uncomplicated

F13.10
Abuse involves fewer criteria and does not include withdrawal or tolerance.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benzo Use Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F13.10.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit due to incomplete documentation., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Regularly review documentation guidelines

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider for specific criteria to use the correct code.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific criteria are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all DSM-5 criteria and symptoms are documented to support specific coding.

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 Benzo Use Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benzo Use Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Benzo Use Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Documenting Benzodiazepine Dependence

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Substance name and dosage
  • Duration of use
  • DSM-5 criteria met
  • Withdrawal symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient has been using 4mg of lorazepam daily for 3 years, meeting 6 DSM-5 criteria for severe dependence, including withdrawal symptoms.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient uses benzos.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets 6/11 DSM-5 criteria for severe alprazolam dependence, including withdrawal symptoms and continued use despite job loss.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and consequences, improving clinical clarity and coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Benzo Use Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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