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ICD-10 Coding for History of Depression(Z86.59)

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

Also known as:

Past DepressionResolved DepressionDepression in Remission

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Depression

Z86.5-Z86.59Primary Range

Personal history of mental and behavioral disorders

This range includes codes for documenting a patient's history of mental and behavioral disorders, including depression.

Depressive disorders

These codes are used for current depressive episodes and should be used instead of history codes if the depression is active.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of depression

Essential facts and insights about History of Depression

The ICD-10 code for a history of depression is Z86.59, used for documenting resolved depressive disorders.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of depression

Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has no depressive symptoms and is not on active treatment.

documentation Criteria

  • Record must state 'history of depression' or similar phrasing.

Applicable To

  • History of major depressive disorder
  • History of recurrent depressive disorder

Excludes

  • Current depressive episodes (F32-F33)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented resolution of depressive symptoms
  • No current treatment for depression
  • Patient reports no depressive symptoms for at least 2 months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active depression as historical
  • Failing to document the resolution of symptoms

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the depression is historical and resolved.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other long term (current) drug therapy

Z79.899
Use if the patient is on maintenance medication for depression prevention.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission

F33.42
Use F33.42 if the patient is in full remission but still under maintenance treatment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.59.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use clear language indicating history, Regularly update patient records

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F32 or F33 codes for active depressive episodes.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific documentation of depression history.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of past episodes and current status.

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

Documentation Templates for History of Depression

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

Routine follow-up for a patient with a history of depression

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of past depressive episodes
  • Treatment history and outcomes
  • Current symptom status

Example Documentation

Patient has a history of major depressive disorder, last episode in 2020, treated with SSRIs. Currently asymptomatic and not on medication.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has depression history.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has a history of major depressive disorder, last treated in 2020, currently asymptomatic.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the history and current status, supporting the use of Z86.59.

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

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