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ICD-10 Coding for Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances)(F13.20, F15.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

IV Drug UseIntravenous Drug UseSchedule IV Drug Use

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances)

F10-F19Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

This range includes all substance use disorders, covering various substances including those classified under Schedule IV.

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

This range is used for coding poisoning and adverse effects related to drug use, including Schedule IV substances.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F13.20Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependenceUse when there is a documented dependence on sedatives, including benzodiazepines.
  • Documented history of sedative use
  • Evidence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
F15.20Stimulant use disorder, moderate or severeUse for documented dependence on stimulants, including tramadol.
  • Documented stimulant use
  • Evidence of significant impairment or distress

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 Schedule IV drug use

Essential facts and insights about Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances)

The ICD-10 code for dependence on Schedule IV drugs like benzodiazepines is F13.20.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for roman numeral 4 drug use

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of withdrawal symptoms and documented sedative use

Applicable To

  • Dependence on benzodiazepines
  • Dependence on z-drugs

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of sedative use
  • Evidence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if withdrawal symptoms are not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of sedative and the presence of dependence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Poisoning by benzodiazepines, accidental (initial encounter)

T42.4X1A
Use for acute poisoning cases alongside F13.20.

Long-term (current) use of opiate analgesic

Z79.891
Use to document long-term prescribed use of Schedule IV opioids.

Differential Codes

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

Opioid dependence

F11.20
Use F11.20 for opioid dependence, not for sedatives.

Cocaine dependence

F14.20
Use F14.20 for cocaine dependence, not for other stimulants.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F13.20.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of all symptoms and criteria.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy for clinical research.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific substance and severity to use the most specific code.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific details to support the most specific code.

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 Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances)

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic benzodiazepine dependence

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Substance type and duration
  • Frequency and route of use
  • DSM-5 criteria met
  • Complications and severity

Example Documentation

Patient reports daily use of alprazolam for 2 years, exhibits tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Severe sedative use disorder (F13.20) confirmed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Uses Xanax too much.
Good Documentation Example
Severe alprazolam use disorder (F13.20): Daily non-prescribed use for 3 years, 2 ER visits for overdose, continued use despite CPS involvement.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on usage, severity, and consequences, supporting the ICD-10 code.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Substance Use Disorders (Including Schedule IV/Controlled Substances)? Ask your questions below.

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