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ICD-10 Coding for Tobacco Dependence(F17.210, F17.218)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Tobacco Dependence. 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 Dependence

F17.2-Primary Range

Nicotine dependence codes

Primary range for coding nicotine dependence, including specific complications and product types.

Tobacco use, not otherwise specified

Used for tobacco use without documented 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 smokes cigarettes but has no complications.
  • Patient history of cigarette use
  • No documented complications
F17.218Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disordersUse when there is a documented disorder caused by cigarette smoking.
  • Documented nicotine-induced disorder
  • Spirometry or other diagnostic tests supporting disorder

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 tobacco dependence

Essential facts and insights about Tobacco Dependence

The ICD-10 code for tobacco dependence is F17.2-, covering various types and complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tobacco dependence

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient smokes cigarettes without any complications.

Applicable To

  • Cigarette smoking without complications

Excludes

  • Tobacco use without dependence (Z72.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient history of cigarette use
  • No documented complications

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if complications are present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure no complications are documented before using this code.

Differential Codes

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

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disorders

F17.218
Use when there are documented nicotine-induced disorders.

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated

F17.210
Use when no disorders are documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of tobacco use, including type and frequency.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F17.2- codes when dependence is documented.

Impact

Using Z72.0 instead of F17.2- when dependence is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly supports the presence of dependence.

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

Documentation Templates for Tobacco Dependence

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

Patient with cigarette smoking and bronchospasms

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Type of tobacco product
  • Frequency and duration of use
  • Documented complications
  • Diagnostic test results

Example Documentation

Patient is a 20 pack-year cigarette smoker with documented bronchospasms confirmed by spirometry, coded as F17.218.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient smokes cigarettes.
Good Documentation Example
Patient smokes 1 pack per day of cigarettes for 20 years with bronchospasms confirmed by spirometry, coded as F17.218.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the smoking history and links it to a documented disorder.

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

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