ICD-10 Coding for Claustrophobia(F40.240)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Claustrophobia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Claustrophobia
F40.2-F40.29Primary Range
Specific phobias
This range includes specific phobias such as claustrophobia, which is coded under F40.240.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for claustrophobia
Essential facts and insights about Claustrophobia
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for claustrophobia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of panic attacks in enclosed spaces
documentation Criteria
- Detailed description of avoidance behaviors
Applicable To
- Fear of confined spaces
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Persistent fear disproportionate to actual danger
- Avoidance behaviors present for ≥6 months
- Not better explained by PTSD (F43.10) or OCD (F42)
Code-Specific Risks
- Undercoding by using a general anxiety code instead of F40.240
- Overcoding by adding unrelated phobia codes
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the exact phobia and related symptoms.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Claustrophobia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F40.240.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific language to describe symptoms., Include duration and frequency of episodes.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure claustrophobia is documented as the primary condition.
Impact
Failure to sequence F40.240 as the primary code when appropriate.
Mitigation Strategy
Review documentation to confirm claustrophobia is the primary condition.
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 Claustrophobia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Claustrophobia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Claustrophobia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Psychiatric evaluation for claustrophobia
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- History of panic attacks
- Avoidance behaviors
- Specific triggers
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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