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ICD-10 Coding for Psychiatric Problem(F33.2)

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

Also known as:

Mental Health DisorderBehavioral Health Issue

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Psychiatric Problem

F01-F99Primary Range

Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders

This range includes all psychiatric disorders, covering conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Factors influencing health status and contact with health services

This range includes codes for psychosocial factors affecting mental health, such as family issues or social environment.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder

Essential facts and insights about Psychiatric Problem

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for psychiatric problem

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe without psychotic features
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of severe depressive symptoms without psychosis

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed symptomatology and functional impairment documented

Applicable To

  • Recurrent major depression with severe symptoms

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient reports 5/9 SIGECAPS symptoms for ≥2 weeks
  • PHQ-9 score ≥20

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if psychotic features are present but undocumented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the severity and recurrence of depressive episodes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Problems in relationship with spouse or partner

Z63.0
Use to document psychosocial factors affecting the psychiatric condition.

Differential Codes

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

Bipolar disorder, current episode manic severe, without psychotic features

F31.12
Presence of manic episodes differentiates bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete understanding of patient's condition, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Include Z codes for psychosocial factors, Use comprehensive assessment tools

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records

Mitigation Strategy

Use F33.2 if recurrent severe symptoms are documented.

Impact

Failure to document severity can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized scales like PHQ-9 for severity assessment.

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 Psychiatric Problem, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Psychiatric Problem

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

Initial Psychiatric Evaluation

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Mental status examination
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, anhedonia, and fatigue. PHQ-9 score is 22. Diagnosis: F33.2. Plan: Initiate sertraline 50mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient feels sad.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and significant weight loss over the past month.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and duration, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Psychiatric Problem? Ask your questions below.

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