ICD-10 Coding for Major Depression, Recurrent(F33.0, F33.1, F33.2, F33.3, F33.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depression, Recurrent. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Major Depression, Recurrent
F33.0-F33.9Primary Range
Recurrent depressive disorder
This range covers all recurrent episodes of major depressive disorder, categorized by severity and presence of psychotic features.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild | Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of mild depression. |
|
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate | Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of moderate depression. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features | Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychosis. |
|
| F33.3 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features | Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of severe depression with psychosis. |
|
| F33.9 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified | Use only when specific details about severity or psychotic features are not documented. |
|
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 major depression recurrent
Essential facts and insights about Major Depression, Recurrent
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depression recurrent
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Recurrent mild depressive episodes documented
Applicable To
- Recurrent mild depressive episodes
Excludes
- Single episode of major depressive disorder (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented recurrence of depressive episodes
- Mild severity based on clinical assessment
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure severity is documented as mild to avoid incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies recurrence and severity.
F33.1 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of moderate depression.
Applicable To
- Recurrent moderate depressive episodes
Excludes
- Single episode of major depressive disorder (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented recurrence of depressive episodes
- Moderate severity based on clinical assessment
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies recurrence and severity.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychosis.
Applicable To
- Recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychosis
Excludes
- Single episode of major depressive disorder (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented recurrence of depressive episodes
- Severe severity without psychotic features
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies recurrence, severity, and absence of psychotic features.
F33.3 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features
Use when the patient has recurrent episodes of severe depression with psychosis.
Applicable To
- Recurrent severe depressive episodes with psychosis
Excludes
- Single episode of major depressive disorder (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented recurrence of depressive episodes
- Severe severity with psychotic features
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies recurrence, severity, and presence of psychotic features.
F33.9 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified
Use only when specific details about severity or psychotic features are not documented.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive disorder, unspecified
Excludes
- Single episode of major depressive disorder (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented recurrence of depressive episodes
- Lack of specific severity or psychotic feature documentation
Coding Notes
Avoid using this code if specific details about the episode are available.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Disruption of family by separation or divorce
Z63.5Anxiety disorder, unspecified
F41.9Suicidal ideations
R45.851Personal history of self-harm
Z91.5Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depression, Recurrent to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.0.
Impact
Clinical: Affects treatment planning and monitoring., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for incomplete documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include remission status in patient records., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes severity and psychotic features to use specific codes.
Impact
High audit risk when using F33.9 without documented justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all episodes are documented with severity and psychotic features.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Major Depression, Recurrent
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depression, Recurrent. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Recurrent Major Depression with Moderate Severity
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Episode type and count
- Severity level
- Presence of psychotic features
- Remission status
- PHQ-9 score
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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