Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Abuse(F10.10)

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

Also known as:

Alcohol Use DisorderAlcohol Misusealcoholism

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Alcohol Abuse

F10.1-F10.9Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

This range includes codes for alcohol use, abuse, and dependence, covering various manifestations and severities.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse

Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Abuse

The ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse, uncomplicated, is F10.10. Use this code when alcohol abuse is documented without complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for alcohol abuse.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider explicitly documents alcohol abuse without complications.

Applicable To

  • Alcohol abuse without complications

Excludes

  • Alcohol dependence (F10.2-)
  • Alcohol use, unspecified (F10.9-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented DSM-5 criteria for alcohol abuse
  • Evidence of continued use despite harm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if dependence is present
  • Incorrect use if only alcohol use is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'abuse' rather than 'use' to justify this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Alcohol and/or substance abuse structured assessment and intervention services

G0396
Use for screening and brief intervention services related to alcohol abuse.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated

F10.20
Presence of tolerance or withdrawal symptoms differentiates dependence from abuse.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcohol Abuse to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.10.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to under-treatment of the condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on DSM-5 criteria, Implement documentation audits

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'abuse' and meets DSM-5 criteria.

Impact

Claims of remission without explicit provider documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require provider attestation for remission status.

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

Documentation Templates for Alcohol Abuse

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

Primary Care Visit for Alcohol Abuse

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Substance use history
  • DSM-5 criteria assessment
  • Physical exam findings
  • Lab results

Example Documentation

Patient reports drinking 6 beers nightly for 5 years. Meets 4/11 DSM-5 criteria for alcohol abuse. AST 80 U/L, ALT 65 U/L.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient drinks daily.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for alcohol abuse: continued use despite marital conflict, failed attempts to cut down.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and context, supporting the diagnosis of alcohol abuse.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Alcohol Abuse? Ask your questions below.

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more