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ICD-10 Coding for Recurrent Depressive Disorder(F33.1, F33.2)

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

Also known as:

Major Depressive Disorder, RecurrentRecurrent Major Depression

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Recurrent Depressive Disorder

F33Primary Range

Major depressive disorder, recurrent

This range covers all recurrent episodes of major depressive disorder, specifying severity and remission status.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F33.1Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderateUse when the patient has a recurrent episode of moderate major depressive disorder.
  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • Symptoms persisting for at least two weeks
F33.2Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic featuresUse when the patient has a recurrent episode of severe major depressive disorder without psychosis.
  • PHQ-9 score 15-19
  • Severe functional impairment

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 recurrent depressive disorder

Essential facts and insights about Recurrent Depressive Disorder

The ICD-10 code for recurrent depressive disorder is F33.x, with specific codes for severity and remission status.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for recurrent depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14 with recurrent episodes

Applicable To

  • Recurrent major depression, moderate severity

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • Symptoms persisting for at least two weeks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if severity is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'moderate' to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

F41.8
Use if anxiety symptoms are present alongside depression.

Suicidal ideation

R45.851
Use if suicidal thoughts are documented.

Differential Codes

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

Dysthymia

F34.1
Dysthymia is characterized by chronic depression lasting for at least two years.

Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic symptoms

F33.3
Presence of psychotic symptoms differentiates F33.3 from F33.2.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation., Regular training on ICD-10 coding requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify severity and remission status to use the most accurate code.

Impact

Failure to document severity can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits and training sessions.

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

Documentation Templates for Recurrent Depressive Disorder

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

Recurrent MDD with anxiety

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • PHQ-9 score
  • Symptom duration
  • Severity indicators
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

45F with recurrent MDD, 3rd episode in 18 months. PHQ-9=16 (moderately severe), GAD-7=10. Reports anhedonia, weight loss, insomnia. No psychosis. Plans: Escitalopram 10mg, CBT weekly.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Depression, stable.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent MDD, in full remission x6 months on fluoxetine 20mg. PHQ-9=3, no functional impairment.
Explanation
The good example specifies remission status and treatment details, providing a complete clinical picture.

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

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