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ICD-10 Coding for Depression with Suicidal Ideation(F32.1, R45.851)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Depression with Suicidal Ideation. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Major Depressive Disorder with Suicidal ThoughtsDepression with SI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Depression with Suicidal Ideation

F32-F33Primary Range

Major depressive disorder, single and recurrent episodes

This range includes codes for major depressive disorder, which is the primary condition when suicidal ideation is present.

Suicidal ideation

This code is used to specify the presence of suicidal thoughts, which is an ancillary condition to depression.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F32.1Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderateUse when the patient presents with moderate depression and suicidal ideation is documented.
  • PHQ-9 score ≥20
  • Documented suicidal ideation
R45.851Suicidal ideationUse when suicidal thoughts are a significant focus of treatment.
  • Documented suicidal thoughts
  • Risk assessment completed

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: How do you code depression with suicidal ideation?

Essential facts and insights about Depression with Suicidal Ideation

Code depression with suicidal ideation using F32.1 for moderate depression and R45.851 for suicidal ideation. Ensure documentation includes severity and suicidal thoughts.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for depression with suicidal ideation

Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits moderate depressive symptoms with suicidal ideation.

Applicable To

  • Moderate depression with suicidal ideation

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score ≥20
  • Documented suicidal ideation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure severity is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes severity and presence of suicidal ideation.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Suicidal ideation

R45.851
Use to specify the presence of suicidal thoughts in conjunction with depression.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Use F32.9 only if the severity of depression is not specified.

Suicide attempt

T14.91
Use T14.91 if there is evidence of a suicide attempt.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Depression with Suicidal Ideation 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 inadequate risk assessment., Regulatory: Potential for audit findings., Financial: Could affect reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of suicidal thoughts., Use standardized assessment tools.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like F32.1 when severity is documented.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of suicidal thoughts can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and standardized assessment tools.

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 with Suicidal Ideation, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Depression with Suicidal Ideation

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Depression with Suicidal Ideation. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Suicidal Ideation

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Mental status exam
  • Suicidal ideation assessment
  • Safety plan documentation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with active suicidal ideation and a plan to overdose. Initiated 1:1 observation and secured medications.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient feels down.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports daily passive suicidal ideation for 3 weeks, denies plan or intent.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the frequency and nature of suicidal thoughts.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Depression with Suicidal Ideation? Ask your questions below.

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