Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Major Depressive Disorder in Remission(F32.5, F33.42, F32.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depressive Disorder in Remission. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

MDD in RemissionDepression in Remission

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Major Depressive Disorder in Remission

F32-F33Primary Range

Depressive episodes, including major depressive disorder

This range includes codes for depressive episodes, specifying single or recurrent episodes and remission status.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F32.5Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remissionUse when the patient has experienced a single episode of major depressive disorder and is in full remission.
  • Documented single episode
  • PHQ-9 score <5
  • No symptoms for ≥2 months
F33.42Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remissionUse when the patient has experienced two or more episodes of major depressive disorder and is in full remission.
  • Documented recurrent episodes
  • PHQ-9 score <5
  • No symptoms for ≥2 months
F32.9Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecifiedUse only if documentation is insufficient to specify episode type or remission status.
  • Lack of specific documentation on episode type or remission status

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 depressive disorder in remission

Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder in Remission

The ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder in remission is F32.5 for a single episode and F33.42 for recurrent episodes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depressive disorder in remission

Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remission
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has experienced only one episode of major depressive disorder.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation includes 'single episode' and 'full remission' with PHQ-9 score.

Applicable To

  • Single episode of major depressive disorder in full remission

Excludes

  • Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented single episode
  • PHQ-9 score <5
  • No symptoms for ≥2 months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using this code without confirming the single episode status

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'single episode' and 'full remission'.

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 has had two or more episodes of major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remission

F32.5
Use F32.5 if the patient has only had one episode of major depressive disorder.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder in Remission to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include specific dates for remission, Ensure PHQ-9 scores are documented

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audits due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies episode type and remission status.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documenting episode type can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies whether the episode is single or recurrent.

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 Depressive Disorder in Remission, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder in Remission

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depressive Disorder in Remission. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Psychiatry Discharge Note

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis
  • Clinical Evidence
  • Maintenance Plan

Example Documentation

**Diagnosis:** Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission (F33.42) **Clinical Evidence:** PHQ-9: 2/27/2025 score 4 (remission range) **Maintenance Plan:** Continue fluoxetine 20mg daily (Z79.01)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Depression better
Good Documentation Example
MDD, recurrent, in full remission per DSM-5 criteria. PHQ-9=3 on 3/25/2025. Last episode ended 1/15/2025. Maintenance dose escitalopram 10mg continued.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on episode type, remission status, and treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Major Depressive Disorder in Remission? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more