ICD-10 Coding for Depressed Mood(F32.1, F33.2, F43.21)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Depressed Mood. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Depressed Mood
F32-F33Primary Range
Major Depressive Disorder, single and recurrent episodes
Covers the primary codes for major depressive episodes, both single and recurrent.
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Used when depression is a reaction to a specific stressor within 3 months.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate | Use when a patient presents with a single episode of moderate depression. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features | Use for patients with multiple episodes of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
| F43.21 | Adjustment disorder with depressed mood | Use when depression is directly related to a specific stressor. |
|
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 depressed mood
Essential facts and insights about Depressed Mood
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for depressed mood
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Moderate depressive symptoms with functional impairment
Applicable To
- Moderate depressive episode
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of 5 or more symptoms including depressed mood or anhedonia
- Symptoms present for at least two weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documenting severity leading to unspecified coding
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the severity and episode type to avoid unspecified coding.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Use for patients with multiple episodes of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychosis
Excludes
- Recurrent depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms (F33.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Two or more episodes of depression separated by at least two months of remission
- Severe symptoms impacting daily functioning
Coding Notes
Document the absence of psychotic features clearly to use this code.
F43.21 - Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Use when depression is directly related to a specific stressor.
Applicable To
- Depression due to a specific stressor
Excludes
- Major depressive disorder (F32.-, F33.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Depressive symptoms occurring within three months of a stressor
- Symptoms do not meet criteria for another depressive disorder
Coding Notes
Ensure the stressor is documented to justify the use of this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Dysthymia
F34.1Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features
F33.3Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild
F32.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Depressed Mood to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.1.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document any identified stressors., Use structured templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific symptoms and severity to use the most accurate code.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts the quality of patient data.
Mitigation Strategy
Identify and document the stressor clearly to differentiate adjustment disorder.
Impact
High risk of audit when unspecified codes are used without justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation to support specific code selection.
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 Depressed Mood, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Depressed Mood
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Depressed Mood. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Documenting a single episode of moderate depression
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Symptom list
- Duration of symptoms
- Impact on daily functioning
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Depressed Mood? Ask your questions below.