ICD-10 Coding for Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode(F33.0, F33.1, F33.2, F33.3, F33.41)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode
F33.0-F33.9Primary Range
Major depressive disorder, recurrent
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 for recurrent episodes of mild major depressive disorder. |
|
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate | Use for recurrent episodes of moderate major depressive disorder. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features | Use for severe recurrent episodes without psychotic features. |
|
| F33.3 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features | Use for severe recurrent episodes with psychotic features. |
|
| F33.41 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in partial remission | Use when symptoms have improved but not fully resolved. |
|
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 recurrent episode
Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depressive disorder recurrent episode
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score and symptom duration
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive disorder, mild
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 5-9
- Symptoms lasting at least two weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if severity is not properly assessed.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'mild' to avoid unspecified coding.
F33.1 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Use for recurrent episodes of moderate major depressive disorder.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive disorder, moderate
Excludes
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood (F43.21)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 10-14
- Functional impairment documentation
Coding Notes
Document workplace or social impairments to justify moderate severity.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Use for severe recurrent episodes without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive disorder, severe without psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Major depressive disorder, single episode (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score of 15-19
- Documentation of suicidal ideation or inability to perform ADLs
Coding Notes
Ensure detailed documentation of severity and symptom impact.
F33.3 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features
Use for severe recurrent episodes with psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive disorder, severe with psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Schizoaffective disorders (F25.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of hallucinations or delusions
- PHQ-9 score typically above 20
Coding Notes
Document mood-congruent or incongruent psychotic features.
F33.41 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in partial remission
Use when symptoms have improved but not fully resolved.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive disorder in partial remission
Excludes
- Persistent depressive disorder (F34.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Improvement in symptoms but not full remission
- PHQ-9 score typically 5-9
Coding Notes
Document residual symptoms and treatment response.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, mild or moderate severity
F31.5Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
F43.21Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features
F33.3Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type
F25.1Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
F34.1Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.0.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment planning and monitoring., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Regularly update patient status in records., Use standardized assessment tools like PHQ-9.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies severity and psychotic features.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect risk adjustment scores., Compliance: Potential audit issues due to incorrect episode classification., Data Quality: Impacts longitudinal tracking of patient outcomes.
Mitigation Strategy
Confirm and document recurrence of episodes.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of severity can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed symptom and functional impact documentation.
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 Recurrent Episode, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Recurrent MDD, moderate severity
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Patient demographics
- PHQ-9 score
- Symptom duration
- Functional impact
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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