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ICD-10 Coding for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(F43.10, F43.11, F43.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PTSDPosttraumatic Stress Disorderpost traumatic stresschronic ptsdacute ptsd

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

F43.1Primary Range

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This range includes all codes related to PTSD, specifying different types and durations of the disorder.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F43.10Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecifiedUse when the duration or severity of PTSD is not specified in the documentation.
  • Documented trauma exposure
  • Presence of PTSD symptoms without specified duration
F43.11Post-traumatic stress disorder, acuteUse for PTSD with symptoms lasting less than 3 months.
  • Documented trauma exposure
  • Symptoms present for less than 3 months
F43.12Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronicUse for PTSD with symptoms persisting for more than 3 months.
  • Documented trauma exposure
  • Symptoms persisting for more than 3 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 PTSD

Essential facts and insights about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The ICD-10 code for PTSD varies: F43.10 for unspecified, F43.11 for acute, and F43.12 for chronic PTSD.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ptsd

Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific duration in the patient's record.

Applicable To

  • PTSD with unspecified duration

Excludes

  • Acute stress reaction (F43.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented trauma exposure
  • Presence of PTSD symptoms without specified duration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if duration is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure trauma exposure is documented even if duration is unspecified.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic stress disorder, acute

F43.11
Use F43.11 for PTSD symptoms lasting less than 3 months.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic

F43.12
Use F43.12 for PTSD symptoms persisting for more than 3 months.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F43.10.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of symptom timeline., Regularly review patient records for completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify and document the duration to use F43.11 or F43.12 appropriately.

Impact

Lack of clear documentation on symptom duration can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for documenting PTSD symptoms and duration.

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 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

PTSD following a car accident

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Trauma exposure details
  • Symptom duration
  • Functional impact
  • Symptom frequency

Example Documentation

Patient experienced a car accident on 01/2023. Symptoms include nightmares and avoidance of driving, persisting for 5 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has PTSD.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports nightmares and avoidance of driving since car accident on 01/2023, persisting for 5 months.
Explanation
The good example specifies the trauma, symptoms, and duration, allowing for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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