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ICD-10 Coding for Mood Swing(F31.9, F34.0, F43.22)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mood Swing. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Mood SwingsEmotional Lability

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mood Swing

F30-F39Primary Range

Mood [affective] disorders

This range includes various mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and cyclothymia, which are relevant to mood swings.

Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders

Includes adjustment disorders with mood swings triggered by identifiable stressors.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F31.9Bipolar disorder, unspecifiedUse when mood swings occur but specific episodes are not identified.
  • Presence of mood swings with at least one manic or depressive episode
F34.0CyclothymiaUse for chronic mood instability without full criteria for bipolar disorder.
  • Chronic mood swings over a period of at least two years.
F43.22Adjustment disorder with depressed moodUse when mood swings are triggered by a specific stressor.
  • Identifiable stressor with mood swings occurring within three months.

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 mood swings

Essential facts and insights about Mood Swing

The ICD-10 code for mood swings is often coded under F31.9 for unspecified bipolar disorder when specific episodes are not identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mood swing

Bipolar disorder, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of mood swings with unspecified episodes.

Applicable To

  • Mood swings with unspecified episodes

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of mood swings with at least one manic or depressive episode

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting specific episodes leading to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies mood instability and any associated episodes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Irritability and anger

R45.4
Use when mood swings are secondary to another condition.

Differential Codes

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

Cyclothymia

F34.0
Chronic mood instability without full criteria for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder, unspecified

F31.9
Presence of manic or depressive episodes.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Presence of a major depressive episode without identifiable stressor.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mood Swing to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F31.9.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized assessment tools., Include frequency and severity in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F30.1 for mania without psychosis.

Impact

Lack of detailed mood assessment can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of mood swings and associated factors.

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

Documentation Templates for Mood Swing

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mood Swing. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Psychiatry Progress Note

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Mood description
  • Affect
  • PHQ-9 score
  • YMRS score
  • Identified stressors
  • Treatment plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Mood swings noted. Will adjust meds.
Good Documentation Example
**Mood**: Labile (5 shifts today), with irritability (7/10 severity) and tearfulness **Affect**: Congruent, restricted range **PHQ-9**: 15/27 (moderate-severe depression) **YMRS**: 6/60 (no mania) **Stressors**: Recent job loss (3/15/25) **Plan**: Start lamotrigine; rule out F34.0 vs. F43.22
Explanation
The good example provides detailed mood assessment, scores, stressors, and a clear treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mood Swing? Ask your questions below.

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