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ICD-10 Coding for Major Depression Recurrent Moderate(F33.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depression Recurrent Moderate. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Recurrent Depressive Disorder, ModerateModerate Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Major Depression Recurrent Moderate

F33-F33.9Primary Range

Major depressive disorder, recurrent

This range includes all recurrent episodes of major depressive disorder, categorized by severity.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for major depression recurrent moderate

Essential facts and insights about Major Depression Recurrent Moderate

The ICD-10 code for major depression recurrent moderate is F33.1, used for moderate episodes with a history of at least two prior episodes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for major depression recurrent moderate

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient presents with moderate depressive symptoms and a history of at least two episodes.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented PHQ-9 score and symptom duration.

Applicable To

  • Recurrent depressive disorder, moderate

Excludes

  • Single episode of major depressive disorder (F32.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • Presence of 4-6 depressive symptoms
  • Symptoms persisting for at least two weeks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as single episode
  • Inadequate documentation of symptom severity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes episode count, symptom severity, and functional impact.

Ancillary Codes

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

Family disruption

Z63.5
Use to document stressors exacerbating depression.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild

F33.0
Use F33.0 for mild symptoms with minimal functional impairment.

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe

F33.2
Use F33.2 for severe symptoms with significant functional impairment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depression Recurrent Moderate to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history for episode count, Include episode count in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify episode history to ensure correct classification as recurrent.

Impact

Lack of detailed episode documentation increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all depressive episodes.

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

Documentation Templates for Major Depression Recurrent Moderate

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

Patient with recurrent moderate depression

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Episode count
  • Symptom severity
  • PHQ-9 score
  • Functional impact

Example Documentation

Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate (F33.1). Episode: 3rd lifetime episode. Symptoms: Anhedonia, insomnia, fatigue. PHQ-9: 12/27. Functional Impact: 3 missed workdays.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has depression.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent MDD, current episode moderate. PHQ-9=13. Symptoms: anhedonia, insomnia, fatigue. Impaired work performance.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on episode count, symptom severity, and functional impact.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Major Depression Recurrent Moderate? Ask your questions below.

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