ICD-10 Coding for Major Depressive Disorder(F32.0, F32.1, F33.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depressive Disorder. 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
F32-F33Primary Range
Major Depressive Disorder, single and recurrent episodes
This range includes all primary codes for major depressive disorder, covering 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
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild | Use for a single episode of mild depression. |
|
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate | Use for a single episode of moderate depression. |
|
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild | Use for recurrent episodes of mild depression. |
|
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
Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depressive disorder
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score and symptom duration
Applicable To
- Mild depressive episode
Excludes
- Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 5-9
- Symptoms present for at least two weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if severity is not properly assessed
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'mild' and 'single episode'.
F32.1 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Use for a single episode of moderate depression.
Applicable To
- Moderate depressive episode
Excludes
- Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 10-14
- Symptoms present for at least two weeks
Coding Notes
Document 'moderate' and 'single episode' clearly.
F33.0 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
Use for recurrent episodes of mild depression.
Applicable To
- Mild recurrent depressive disorder
Excludes
- Single episode depressive disorder (F32.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 5-9
- History of previous depressive episodes
Coding Notes
Document 'mild' and 'recurrent' clearly.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of depression severity, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Implement checklist for documentation, Regular training on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies severity and episode type
Impact
Inadequate documentation of depression severity can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all clinical notes include PHQ-9 scores and severity.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depressive Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial Diagnosis of MDD
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Patient demographics
- PHQ-9 score
- Severity and episode type
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Major Depressive Disorder? Ask your questions below.