ICD-10 Coding for Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode(F31.31, F31.4, F31.5, F31.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode
F31.3-F31.5Primary Range
Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed
This range includes codes for bipolar disorder with a current depressive episode, specifying severity and presence of psychotic features.
Bipolar II disorder
This code is used for Bipolar II disorder, which includes hypomanic and major 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| F31.31 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, mild | Use when the patient has a mild depressive episode in the context of bipolar disorder. |
|
| F31.4 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features | Use when the patient has a severe depressive episode without psychotic features. |
|
| F31.5 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, with psychotic features | Use when the patient has a severe depressive episode with psychotic features. |
|
| F31.81 | Bipolar II disorder | Use for Bipolar II disorder with current or past hypomanic and depressive 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 disorder depressed
Essential facts and insights about Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bipolar disorder depressed
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of mild depressive symptoms with a history of manic episodes.
Applicable To
- Mild depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
Excludes
- Major depressive disorder (F32-F33)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of at least five depressive symptoms
- History of manic episode
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if severity is not properly documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the current episode as mild.
F31.4 - Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features
Use when the patient has a severe depressive episode without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Severe depressive episodes in bipolar disorder without psychosis
Excludes
- Major depressive disorder (F32-F33)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Severe impairment in functioning
- Absence of psychotic features
Coding Notes
Document severity and absence of psychotic features clearly.
F31.5 - Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, with psychotic features
Use when the patient has a severe depressive episode with psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Severe depressive episodes in bipolar disorder with psychosis
Excludes
- Major depressive disorder (F32-F33)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Severe depressive symptoms
- Presence of psychotic features
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes psychotic features.
F31.81 - Bipolar II disorder
Use for Bipolar II disorder with current or past hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Applicable To
- Hypomanic episodes with major depressive episodes
Excludes
- Bipolar I disorder (F31.0-F31.7)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of hypomanic episodes
- Presence of major depressive episodes
Coding Notes
Document both hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild
F32.0Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, with psychotic features
F31.5Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features
F31.4Bipolar disorder, unspecified
F31.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F31.31.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet ICD-10 documentation standards., Financial: Results in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates, Include all required elements
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Compromises accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure bipolar disorder is coded with F31.x codes, not MDD codes.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement or denials., Compliance: Fails to meet documentation standards., Data Quality: Leads to unspecified codes affecting data quality.
Mitigation Strategy
Document and code the severity and presence of psychotic features.
Impact
Using unspecified codes like F31.9 increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports 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 Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bipolar Disorder Depressed Episode. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Bipolar I disorder with severe depressive episode and psychotic features
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Diagnosis
- Current episode type
- Severity
- Psychotic features
- DSM-5 criteria
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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