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ICD-10 Coding for Separation Anxiety Disorder(F93.0)

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

Also known as:

Separation AnxietySeparation Anxiety Disorder in Children

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Separation Anxiety Disorder

F93-F93.9Primary Range

Emotional disorders with onset specific to childhood

This range includes separation anxiety disorder, which is primarily diagnosed in children but can also apply to adults with specific criteria.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for separation anxiety disorder

Essential facts and insights about Separation Anxiety Disorder

The ICD-10 code for separation anxiety disorder is F93.0, used when separation anxiety is the primary focus of treatment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder of childhood
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms must be developmentally inappropriate and cause significant distress.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use with mood disorders or other phobias due to Excludes2 notes.

Applicable To

  • Excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures

Excludes

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1)
  • Social phobia (F40.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms must last at least 4 weeks in children and 6 months in adults
  • Must meet at least 3 DSM-5 criteria for separation anxiety disorder

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosing as generalized anxiety disorder
  • Using unspecified anxiety codes without justification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific DSM-5 criteria and duration of symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adjustment disorder with anxiety

F43.22
Use when anxiety is secondary to a recent identifiable stressor.

Differential Codes

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

Generalized anxiety disorder

F41.1
Use F41.1 if anxiety is not primarily related to separation.

Social phobia

F40.1
Use F40.1 if anxiety is related to social situations rather than separation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Separation Anxiety Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F93.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates., Ensure documentation includes specific DSM-5 criteria.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of F93.0 by meeting DSM-5 criteria.

Impact

Failure to document specific criteria can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and ensure thorough documentation.

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 Separation Anxiety Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Separation Anxiety Disorder

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

Pediatric separation anxiety with school refusal

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Duration of symptoms
  • Specific DSM-5 criteria
  • Impact on daily functioning

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient anxious about separation.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits excessive distress when anticipating separation from mother, with daily refusal to attend school and nightmares 4x/week over 6 months.
Explanation
The good example provides specific DSM-5 criteria and duration, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Separation Anxiety Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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