ICD-10 Coding for Bipolar Depression(F31.3, F31.5, F31.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bipolar Depression. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bipolar Depression
F31.3-F31.5Primary Range
Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed
This range covers bipolar disorder with current depressive episodes, including severity and psychotic features.
Bipolar II disorder
This code is used for Bipolar II disorder, characterized by hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F31.3 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, mild or moderate | Use when the patient is experiencing a mild or moderate depressive episode in the context of bipolar disorder. |
|
| F31.5 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, with psychotic features | Use when the depressive episode is severe and includes psychotic features. |
|
| F31.81 | Bipolar II disorder | Use for patients with a history of hypomanic and major depressive episodes, but no manic episodes. |
|
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 bipolar depression
Essential facts and insights about Bipolar Depression
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bipolar depression
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Patient presents with symptoms of mild to moderate depression within a bipolar disorder context.
Applicable To
- Mild depressive episode
- Moderate depressive episode
Excludes
- Major depressive disorder (F32-F33)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score indicating mild or moderate depression
- No psychotic features present
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification of severity can lead to incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the severity of the depressive episode.
F31.5 - Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, with psychotic features
Use when the depressive episode is severe and includes psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Schizoaffective disorders (F25.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score ≥20
- Documented hallucinations or delusions
Coding Notes
Psychotic features must be clearly documented in the patient's record.
F31.81 - Bipolar II disorder
Use for patients with a history of hypomanic and major depressive episodes, but no manic episodes.
Applicable To
- Hypomanic episodes
- Major depressive episodes
Excludes
- Bipolar I disorder (F31.0-F31.7)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented history of hypomanic and major depressive episodes
- No history of manic episodes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes the absence of manic episodes.
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 Bipolar Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F31.3.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to vague treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify episode type and severity., Use detailed clinical documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure the bipolar disorder diagnosis is documented and coded first.
Impact
Failure to document psychotic features when coding F31.5.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough mental status examination documentation.
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 Bipolar Depression, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bipolar Depression
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bipolar Depression. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Bipolar I disorder with current depressive episode
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Episode type
- Severity
- Psychotic features
- Remission status
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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