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ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Addiction(F10.20, F10.21)

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

Also known as:

Alcohol Use DisorderAlcohol DependenceAlcohol Abuse

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Alcohol Addiction

F10Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

This range covers all mental and behavioral disorders related to alcohol use, including dependence, abuse, and intoxication.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F10.20Alcohol dependence, uncomplicatedUse when there is documented evidence of alcohol dependence without complications.
  • Documented tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
  • Failed attempts to quit alcohol use
F10.21Alcohol dependence, in remissionUse when the provider documents alcohol dependence in remission.
  • Provider documentation of sustained abstinence
  • No withdrawal symptoms or cravings

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 alcohol addiction

Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Addiction

The ICD-10 code for alcohol addiction is F10.20, indicating alcohol dependence without complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alcohol addiction

F10.20
Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of withdrawal symptoms and tolerance

Applicable To

  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Alcohol addiction

Excludes

  • Alcohol abuse without dependence (F10.10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
  • Failed attempts to quit alcohol use

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if withdrawal symptoms are present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between abuse and dependence.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Alcoholic fatty liver

K70.0
Use when there is documented liver damage due to alcohol use.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol abuse, uncomplicated

F10.10
Use when there is alcohol abuse without evidence of dependence.

Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders

Z86.59
Use when there is a history of alcohol dependence but not currently in remission.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcohol Addiction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.20.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use CIWA-Ar scale for assessment., Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Require explicit documentation of 'in remission' for F10.21.

Impact

Risk of audit if remission is not explicitly documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Train providers on documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Alcohol Addiction

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

Primary Care Evaluation

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Substance use history
  • CIWA-Ar score
  • Liver function tests

Example Documentation

Patient reports daily alcohol use for 5 years. CIWA-Ar score: 10. AST: 80 U/L, ALT: 40 U/L.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient drinks heavily.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports daily alcohol use for 5 years, CIWA-Ar score: 10, AST: 80 U/L.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and clinical validation.

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

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