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

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

Also known as:

Recurrent Moderate Major Depressive DisorderModerate Recurrent MDD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Moderate Recurrent Major Depression

F33.0-F33.9Primary Range

Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent

This range includes all recurrent major depressive disorders, specifying severity and remission status.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for moderate recurrent major depression

Essential facts and insights about Moderate Recurrent Major Depression

The ICD-10 code for moderate recurrent major depression is F33.1, requiring documentation of recurrent episodes and moderate severity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for moderate recurrent major depression

Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has experienced two or more depressive episodes.

documentation Criteria

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

Applicable To

  • Moderate recurrent major depressive disorder

Excludes

  • Single episode major depressive disorder (F32.-)
  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of at least two prior depressive episodes
  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • Absence of psychotic features

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting severity leading to incorrect coding
  • Confusion with single episode codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the recurrent nature and moderate severity to justify F33.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified

F41.9
Use when anxiety symptoms are present alongside depression.

Insomnia, Unspecified

G47.00
Use when insomnia is a significant symptom requiring separate management.

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 single episode without prior history of depression.

Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Mild

F33.0
Use F33.0 if the current episode is mild with a PHQ-9 score of 5-9.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Moderate Recurrent Major Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include a PHQ-9 score in documentation., Specify the severity level in clinical notes.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific details about episode type and severity are documented to use F33.1.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific details are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of episode history 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 Moderate Recurrent Major Depression, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Moderate Recurrent Major Depression

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

Psychiatric Evaluation

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Episode type
  • Severity
  • PHQ-9 score
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** Patient reports persistent sadness and fatigue for 3 weeks. PHQ-9 score is 12. **Objective:** Affect is constricted. **Assessment:** F33.1 – Moderate recurrent MDD. **Plan:** Initiate sertraline 50mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has depression.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with moderate recurrent major depressive disorder. PHQ-9 score is 13.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, severity, and provides a PHQ-9 score, supporting the F33.1 code.

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

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