ICD-10 Coding for Depression Disorder(F32.0, F32.1, F32.2, F33.0, F33.1, F33.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Depression Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Depression Disorder
F32-F33Primary Range
Major depressive disorder, single and recurrent episodes
This range covers the primary ICD-10 codes for diagnosing major depressive disorder, including single and recurrent episodes with varying severity.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild | Use for a first-time diagnosis of mild depression with no history of previous episodes. |
|
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate | Use for a first-time diagnosis of moderate depression with no history of previous episodes. |
|
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features | Use for a first-time diagnosis of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild | Use for recurrent episodes of mild depression. |
|
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate | Use for recurrent episodes of moderate depression. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe without psychotic features | Use for recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
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 major depressive disorder
Essential facts and insights about Depression Disorder
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for depression disorder
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score and symptom duration
Applicable To
- Mild depressive episode
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 5-9
- Symptoms present for at least 2 weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if severity is not accurately assessed
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports the severity level.
F32.1 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Use for a first-time diagnosis of moderate depression with no history of previous episodes.
Applicable To
- Moderate depressive episode
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 10-14
- Symptoms present for at least 2 weeks
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports the severity level.
F32.2 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
Use for a first-time diagnosis of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 15-19
- Symptoms present for at least 2 weeks
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports the severity level.
F33.0 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
Use for recurrent episodes of mild depression.
Applicable To
- Recurrent mild depressive episodes
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 5-9
- History of previous depressive episodes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports the severity level.
F33.1 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Use for recurrent episodes of moderate depression.
Applicable To
- Recurrent moderate depressive episodes
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 10-14
- History of previous depressive episodes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports the severity level.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe without psychotic features
Use for recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 15-19
- History of previous depressive episodes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports the severity level.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Dysthymia
F34.1Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic features
F32.3Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic features
F33.3Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Depression Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to less precise treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audits., Financial: Potentially reduces reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of symptoms and history., Use standardized assessment tools.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increased risk of audits and compliance issues., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation to support specific codes based on severity and episode history.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the integrity of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Follow ICD-10 guidelines for sequencing, especially when multiple conditions are present.
Impact
High frequency of unspecified codes can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and use specific codes whenever possible.
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 Depression Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Depression Disorder
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Depression Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial diagnosis of major depressive disorder
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- PHQ-9 score
- Symptom description
- Treatment plan
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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