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ICD-10 Coding for Benzodiazepine Dependence(F13.20, F13.21, F13.23)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benzodiazepine Dependence. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Sedative DependenceAnxiolytic Dependence

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benzodiazepine Dependence

F13.20-F13.29Primary Range

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence

This range covers all codes related to benzodiazepine dependence, including uncomplicated dependence, dependence in remission, and withdrawal states.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F13.20Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, uncomplicatedUse when there is documented evidence of benzodiazepine dependence without complications.
  • Documented tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
  • Compulsive use despite negative consequences
F13.21Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, in remissionUse when the provider documents that the dependence is in remission.
  • Provider documentation of remission status
F13.23Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawalUse when withdrawal symptoms are documented.
  • Documented withdrawal symptoms such as tremors or seizures

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 dependence

Essential facts and insights about Benzodiazepine Dependence

The ICD-10 code for benzodiazepine dependence is F13.20, used for uncomplicated cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for benzodiazepine dependence

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Provider documentation of continued use despite harm

Applicable To

  • Benzodiazepine dependence without complications

Excludes

  • Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic abuse (F13.10)
  • Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use (F13.90)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
  • Compulsive use despite negative consequences

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with abuse or use codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis of dependence, including DSM-5 criteria.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, in remission

F13.21
Use when the dependence is in remission as documented by the provider.

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 abuse

F13.10
Use F13.10 when there is abuse without dependence.

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use, unspecified

F13.90
Use F13.90 when there is use without abuse or dependence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benzodiazepine Dependence to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F13.20.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed symptom documentation, Use templates for consistency

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Use only the dependence code when both are documented.

Impact

Failure to document DSM-5 criteria for dependence

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates to ensure all criteria are documented

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 Benzodiazepine Dependence, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benzodiazepine Dependence

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

Benzodiazepine dependence with withdrawal

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Substance name
  • Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
  • Functional impairment
  • Provider statement of dependence

Example Documentation

Patient with 5-year history of alprazolam use, experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and insomnia.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has benzodiazepine issues.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for benzodiazepine dependence: tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite problems.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and symptoms, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Benzodiazepine Dependence? Ask your questions below.

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