ICD-10 Coding for Depressive Disorder(F32.0, F32.1, F32.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Depressive Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Depressive Disorder
F32-F33Primary Range
Depressive disorders, including single and recurrent episodes
This range covers all major depressive disorder codes, 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 single episode of mild depression with 2-3 symptoms. |
|
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate | Use for a single episode of moderate depression with 4-6 symptoms. |
|
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features | Use for a single episode 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 depressive disorder
Essential facts and insights about Depressive Disorder
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for depressive disorder
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of 2-3 symptoms with mild functional impact
Applicable To
- Mild depressive episode
Excludes
- Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 5-9
- Presence of 2-3 symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Under-coding severity if more symptoms are present
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'single episode' and 'mild' severity.
F32.1 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Use for a single episode of moderate depression with 4-6 symptoms.
Applicable To
- Moderate depressive episode
Excludes
- Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 10-14
- Presence of 4-6 symptoms
Coding Notes
Document the episode type and severity clearly.
F32.2 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
Use for a single episode of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 15-27
- Presence of 7+ symptoms
Coding Notes
Document severity and absence of psychotic features.
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 Depressive 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: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized assessment tools like PHQ-9., Document all relevant symptoms.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes based on documented severity and episode type.
Impact
Use of unspecified codes without justification can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific symptoms and severity to support 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 Depressive Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Depressive Disorder
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Depressive Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Outpatient Progress Note
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Functional Impact
- Treatment Plan
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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