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ICD-10 Coding for Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate Recurrent(F33.1)

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

Also known as:

MDD Moderate RecurrentRecurrent Major Depression, Moderate

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate Recurrent

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 depressive disorder moderate recurrent

Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate Recurrent

The ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder, moderate recurrent is F33.1, used for recurrent episodes with moderate severity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for major depressive disorder moderate recurrent

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14 with documented recurrent episodes

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed symptomatology and episode frequency

Applicable To

  • Recurrent major depressive disorder with moderate severity

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
  • Dysthymia (F34.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • At least five symptoms from DSM-5 criteria
  • Documented interval of at least two months between episodes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes leading to reduced reimbursement

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'moderate' to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of self-harm

Z86.51
Use when there is a documented history of self-harm.

History of falls

Z91.81
Use when the patient has a history of falls related to psychomotor retardation.

Differential Codes

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

Dysthymia

F34.1
Use F34.1 for persistent depressive disorder with less severe symptoms and longer duration.

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild

F33.0
Use F33.0 when symptoms are less severe, with PHQ-9 scores below 10.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate Recurrent 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 assessment of depression severity, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize PHQ-9 documentation in templates, Regular training on documentation practices

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards, Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies severity and recurrence to use F33.1

Impact

Failure to document severity can lead to audit flags

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits

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

Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder, Moderate Recurrent

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

Psychiatric follow-up for recurrent depression

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • PHQ-9 results
  • Symptom description
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

45yo female with hx of MDD, presents with 3rd episode in 2 years. PHQ-9: 12. Symptoms include insomnia, fatigue, and concentration issues.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has depression
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with recurrent moderate MDD, PHQ-9 score 12, with insomnia and fatigue
Explanation
The good example specifies recurrence, severity, and symptoms, meeting documentation requirements.

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