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

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

Also known as:

MDD Recurrent ModerateRecurrent Moderate Depression

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate

F30-F39Primary Range

Mood [affective] disorders

This range includes all mood disorders, with F33.1 specifically for recurrent moderate major depressive disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder recurrent moderate

Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate

The ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate is F33.1. It is used for patients with recurrent episodes of moderate depression.

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

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has had at least two episodes of depression.

documentation Criteria

  • PHQ-9 score is documented as 10-14.

Applicable To

  • Recurrent episodes of moderate depression

Excludes

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

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • Documentation of at least two episodes
  • Moderate severity symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as F33.9 when specificity is available
  • Failing to document episode history

Coding Notes

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

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified anxiety disorder

F41.9
Use when anxiety is a comorbid condition.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

F32.1
Use F32.1 for a first-time episode of moderate depression.

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild

F33.0
Use F33.0 for recurrent episodes with mild severity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder 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 for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include episode history in notes., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increased audit risk for unspecified coding., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes episode history and severity to use F33.1.

Impact

Using F33.9 instead of F33.1 when details are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes all necessary details for specific coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate

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

Recurrent moderate depression in a psychiatric setting

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Episode history
  • PHQ-9 score
  • DSM-5 criteria met

Example Documentation

Patient reports 5th depressive episode with 8-week duration of anhedonia and weight loss. PHQ-9=13 (moderate range). No psychotic features.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Depression continues.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent MDD, 4th lifetime episode, current PHQ-9=12 (moderate), no psychosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the episode history and severity.

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

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