Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Cannabis Dependence(F12.1, F12.2, F12.23, F12.25, F12.9)

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

Also known as:

Marijuana DependenceTHC Dependence

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cannabis Dependence

F12.1-F12.9Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of cannabinoids

This range includes codes for cannabis use disorders, including abuse, dependence, and unspecified use.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F12.1Cannabis abusePrimary diagnosis when abuse criteria dominate without dependence.
  • Mild impairment without physiological dependence
  • Failed attempts to cut down
  • Social or work problems
F12.2Cannabis dependenceWhen physiological dependence criteria are met.
  • Physiological dependence (tolerance/withdrawal)
  • ≥3 DSM-5 criteria for dependence
F12.23Cannabis dependence with withdrawalWhen withdrawal symptoms are present and documented.
  • Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, insomnia)
  • Documented withdrawal timeline
F12.25Cannabis dependence with psychotic disorderWhen psychotic symptoms are directly linked to cannabis use.
  • Delusions or hallucinations linked to cannabis use
F12.9Cannabis use, unspecifiedOnly when use is documented without abuse or dependence criteria.
  • Use documented without abuse or dependence criteria

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 cannabis dependence

Essential facts and insights about Cannabis Dependence

The ICD-10 code for cannabis dependence is F12.2, which includes physiological dependence with symptoms like tolerance and withdrawal.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cannabis dependence

Cannabis abuse
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Mild impairment without physiological dependence

Applicable To

  • Cannabis abuse with intoxication
  • Cannabis abuse without dependence

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Mild impairment without physiological dependence
  • Failed attempts to cut down
  • Social or work problems

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if dependence criteria are met.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies abuse without dependence.

Differential Codes

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

Cannabis dependence

F12.2
Presence of physiological dependence such as tolerance or withdrawal.

Cannabis abuse

F12.1
Absence of physiological dependence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cannabis Dependence to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F12.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation, Ensure DSM-5 criteria are clearly documented

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for quality measures.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific criteria for abuse or dependence.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific criteria are met.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

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

Documentation Templates for Cannabis Dependence

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

Patient with cannabis dependence and withdrawal

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Substance use history
  • DSM-5 criteria met
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports daily cannabis use for 2 years, experiencing irritability and insomnia upon cessation. Meets DSM-5 criteria for dependence. Plan: Initiate CBT.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient uses cannabis daily.
Good Documentation Example
Patient uses cannabis daily for 2 years, with withdrawal symptoms including irritability and insomnia. Meets DSM-5 criteria for dependence.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about use, symptoms, and criteria met, supporting the diagnosis.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more