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ICD-10 Coding for History of Anxiety(F41.1, Z86.59)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Anxiety. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anxiety HistoryPast Anxiety Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Anxiety

F40-F48Primary Range

Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders

This range includes all anxiety-related disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Personal history of certain other diseases

This range is used for documenting a history of mental and behavioral disorders, including anxiety.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F41.1Generalized anxiety disorderUse when the patient meets DSM-5 criteria for generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months
  • Difficulty controlling the worry
  • Presence of three or more symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, concentration issues, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance
Z86.59Personal history of other mental and behavioral disordersUse when documenting a resolved anxiety disorder that impacts current care.
  • Documented history of anxiety disorder that is no longer active
  • Impact on current care or treatment plan

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 history of anxiety

Essential facts and insights about History of Anxiety

The ICD-10 code for a history of anxiety is Z86.59, used when the disorder is resolved but impacts current care.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of chronic anxiety symptoms for more than 6 months

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed notes on symptom duration and impact on daily life

Applicable To

  • Chronic anxiety
  • Free-floating anxiety

Excludes

  • Anxiety disorder due to known physiological condition (F06.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months
  • Difficulty controlling the worry
  • Presence of three or more symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, concentration issues, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Overuse without proper documentation of duration and symptoms
  • Misclassification if symptoms are due to another medical condition

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific symptoms and duration to support the diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Low income

Z59.6
Use to document social determinants affecting anxiety.

Problems related to social environment

Z60.0
Use to document social factors impacting mental health history.

Differential Codes

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

Panic disorder [episodic paroxysmal anxiety]

F41.0
Characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, not persistent worry.

Anxiety disorder, unspecified

F41.9
Use when specific anxiety disorder cannot be determined.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Anxiety to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F41.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized assessment tools, Train staff on DSM-5 criteria

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims if used incorrectly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient history.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F41.1 for active anxiety and Z86.59 for historical context.

Impact

Using Z86.59 for active anxiety conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on code updates and documentation requirements.

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 History of Anxiety, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Anxiety

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Anxiety. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic anxiety management

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective report of symptoms
  • Objective assessment scores
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** 'I've had constant worry about work and family health for 8 months.' **Objective:** PHQ-9: 12, GAD-7: 16. **Assessment:** F41.1 - Generalized anxiety disorder. **Plan:** CBT twice weekly.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has anxiety.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for GAD: Excessive worry for 9 months, muscle tension, fatigue.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and duration, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Anxiety? Ask your questions below.

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