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ICD-10 Coding for Mild Depressive Disorder(F32.0, F33.0)

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

Also known as:

Mild DepressionMild Major Depressive Disorder

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Depressive Disorder

F32-F33Primary Range

Depressive episodes

This range includes codes for major depressive disorder, both single and recurrent episodes, which are relevant for mild depressive disorder.

F34

Persistent mood disorders

Includes dysthymic disorder, which can present with chronic mild depression.

F43

Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders

Includes adjustment disorder with depressed mood, which can be confused with mild depressive episodes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F32.0Major depressive disorder, single episode, mildUse for a single episode of mild depression with no prior episodes.
  • PHQ-9 score between 5-9
  • Presence of 2-3 DSM-5 symptoms including at least one core symptom
F33.0Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mildUse for recurrent episodes of mild depression.
  • PHQ-9 score between 5-9
  • History of at least two episodes separated by at least two months of remission

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 mild depressive disorder

Essential facts and insights about Mild Depressive Disorder

The ICD-10 code for mild depressive disorder is F32.0 for single episodes and F33.0 for recurrent episodes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mild depressive disorder

F32.0
Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PHQ-9 score between 5-9 with no prior depressive episodes

Applicable To

  • Single episode of mild depression

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score between 5-9
  • Presence of 2-3 DSM-5 symptoms including at least one core symptom

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting severity leading to incorrect coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the episode as single and mild.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

F43.21
Use when depression is a reaction to a specific stressor and lasts less than 6 months.

Differential Codes

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

Dysthymic disorder

F34.1
Chronic mild depression lasting for at least 2 years.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild

F32.0
Single episode with no prior history of depression.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild 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: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always include symptom onset and duration in notes, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Use F32.0 or F33.0 based on episode history and severity.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 updates and specificity requirements.

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 Mild Depressive Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mild Depressive Disorder

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

Single episode of mild depression

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • PHQ-9 score
  • Symptom duration
  • Functional impact
  • Exclusion of bipolar disorder

Example Documentation

Patient reports feeling down most days for the past 3 weeks. PHQ-9 score is 7, indicating mild depression. No history of manic episodes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has mild depression.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports depressed mood and anhedonia for 3 weeks. PHQ-9 score is 7. No prior depressive episodes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, duration, and a validated score.

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

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