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ICD-10 Coding for Tobacco Addiction(F17.210, F17.290)

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

Also known as:

Nicotine DependenceSmoking Addiction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tobacco Addiction

F17.2-Primary Range

Nicotine dependence codes

Primary range for coding nicotine dependence based on product type.

Tobacco abuse counseling

Used for documenting counseling services related to tobacco cessation.

Personal history of nicotine dependence

Used for patients with a history of nicotine dependence.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F17.210Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicatedUse when patient is diagnosed with nicotine dependence related to cigarette use.
  • Patient smokes 1 pack/day for 15 years
  • Failed quit attempts
F17.290Nicotine dependence, other tobacco productUse for dependence on non-cigarette tobacco products like e-cigarettes.
  • Patient uses e-cigarettes daily
  • No withdrawal symptoms reported

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 nicotine dependence

Essential facts and insights about Tobacco Addiction

The ICD-10 code for nicotine dependence varies by product: F17.210 for cigarettes, F17.290 for e-cigarettes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tobacco addiction

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports daily cigarette use with unsuccessful quit attempts.

Applicable To

  • Cigarette smoking

Excludes

  • Nicotine dependence with withdrawal (F17.203)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient smokes 1 pack/day for 15 years
  • Failed quit attempts

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified when product type is known.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies cigarette use.

Ancillary Codes

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

Tobacco abuse counseling

Z71.6
Use when counseling services are provided.

Differential Codes

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

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with withdrawal

F17.203
Use when withdrawal symptoms are documented.

Nicotine dependence, other tobacco product, with withdrawal

F17.293
Use when withdrawal symptoms are documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tobacco Addiction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F17.210.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for product type., Educate staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type of tobacco product used.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes when product type is known.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks for product type.

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 Tobacco Addiction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tobacco Addiction

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

Primary Care Visit for Smoking Cessation

Specialty: Family Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient smoking history
  • Quit attempts
  • Counseling provided

Example Documentation

Patient smokes 1 pack/day for 15 years. Discussed risks and cessation strategies. Offered nicotine replacement therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient is a smoker.
Good Documentation Example
Patient smokes 1 pack/day for 15 years, has attempted to quit 3 times.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about smoking habits and quit attempts.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tobacco Addiction? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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