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ICD-10 Coding for Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Recurrent(F33.2, F33.3)

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

Also known as:

MDD Severe RecurrentRecurrent Major Depression

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Recurrent

F32-F33Primary Range

Major depressive disorder, single and recurrent episodes

This range includes all codes related to major depressive disorder, both single and recurrent episodes, with varying severity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F33.2Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic featuresUse when the patient has recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychotic features.
  • PHQ-9 score ≥20
  • Documented functional impairment
  • History of at least two depressive episodes
F33.3Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic symptomsUse when the patient has recurrent severe depressive episodes with psychotic features.
  • Presence of hallucinations or delusions
  • PHQ-9 score ≥20
  • Documented functional impairment

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 severe recurrent

Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Recurrent

The ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder, severe recurrent without psychotic features is F33.2, and with psychotic features is F33.3.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depressive disorder severe recurrent

Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PHQ-9 score ≥20 and significant functional impairment

Applicable To

  • Severe recurrent major depressive disorder without psychotic features

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score ≥20
  • Documented functional impairment
  • History of at least two depressive episodes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification of severity without proper documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'severe' without psychotic features.

Ancillary Codes

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

Disruption of family by separation and divorce

Z63.4
Use if family disruption is a contributing factor.

History of psychological trauma

Z91.89
Use if psychological trauma is relevant to the current episode.

Differential Codes

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

Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features

F31.3
Presence of manic or hypomanic episodes differentiates bipolar disorder.

Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type

F25.1
Persistent psychotic symptoms outside of mood episodes suggest schizoaffective disorder.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Recurrent to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough psychiatric evaluation, Clear documentation of symptoms

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify severity and psychotic features.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of severity can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes severity indicators like PHQ-9 scores.

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

Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Recurrent

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

Severe recurrent MDD without psychotic features

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • PHQ-9 score
  • Functional impairment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with recurrent severe depressive episodes, PHQ-9 score of 22, significant work impairment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has depression.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with recurrent severe MDD without psychotic features, PHQ-9 score 22.
Explanation
The good example specifies recurrence, severity, and includes a PHQ-9 score.

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

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