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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Stress Reaction(F43.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Stress Reaction. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute Stress DisorderASD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Stress Reaction

F43.0-F43.9Primary Range

Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders

This range includes acute stress reaction and related stress disorders.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute stress reaction

Essential facts and insights about Acute Stress Reaction

The ICD-10 code for acute stress reaction is F43.0, applicable for symptoms lasting less than 1 month post-trauma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acute stress reaction

Acute stress reaction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms present for less than 1 month following trauma

coding Criteria

  • Sequence trauma code before F43.0

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific symptoms and their impact on daily life

Applicable To

  • Acute stress disorder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (F43.1)
  • Adjustment disorders (F43.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms lasting less than 1 month
  • Exposure to a traumatic event
  • Presence of ≥9 DSM-5 symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with PTSD if symptoms persist beyond 1 month
  • Incorrect sequencing with underlying trauma codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the traumatic event and symptom duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Insomnia, unspecified

G47.00
Use if insomnia is a symptom of the acute stress reaction.

Differential Codes

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

Post-traumatic stress disorder

F43.1
Use F43.1 if symptoms persist for more than 1 month.

Adjustment disorders

F43.2
Use F43.2 for stress-related symptoms without a traumatic event.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Stress Reaction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F43.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language to describe symptoms, Link symptoms directly to the traumatic event

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may affect DRG classification and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Switch to F43.1 for PTSD if symptoms persist beyond 1 month.

Impact

Failure to sequence trauma codes before F43.0.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on proper sequencing rules.

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 Acute Stress Reaction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Stress Reaction

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Stress Reaction. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: Anxiety after robbery. History: 34yo M held at gunpoint 5 days ago. Reports nightmares, palpitations, refusing to leave home. Assessment: Acute stress reaction (F43.0) per DSM-5 criteria: 10/14 symptoms present. No SI/HI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient stressed after recent event.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports intrusive memories of workplace shooting 2 weeks ago, avoids office, hypervigilant in public (meets 9/14 DSM-5 ASD criteria).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the event, symptom duration, and DSM-5 criteria met.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Stress Reaction? Ask your questions below.

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