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ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Dependence in Remission(F10.21)

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

Also known as:

Alcohol Use Disorder in RemissionAlcoholism in Remission

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Alcohol Dependence in Remission

F10.21-F10.29Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

This range includes codes for alcohol dependence and its remission status.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for alcohol dependence in remission

Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Dependence in Remission

The ICD-10 code for alcohol dependence in remission is F10.21, requiring explicit documentation of remission status.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for alcohol dependence in remission

Alcohol dependence, in remission
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Provider must document 'in remission' explicitly.

clinical Criteria

  • Patient must have a history of alcohol dependence with no current symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Alcohol dependence in early remission
  • Alcohol dependence in sustained remission

Excludes

  • Alcohol abuse in remission (F10.11)
  • Personal history of alcohol dependence (Z86.59)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Explicit documentation of 'in remission'
  • Prior diagnosis of alcohol dependence
  • Absence of current symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without explicit remission documentation
  • Confusing remission with history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies remission status and duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of opiate analgesic

Z79.891
Use when documenting ongoing MAT such as buprenorphine.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol abuse, in remission

F10.11
Use F10.11 for cases of alcohol abuse without dependence criteria.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcohol Dependence in Remission to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.21.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's current status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for remission status

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims if remission is not documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure provider documents 'in remission' status clearly.

Impact

Lack of explicit remission documentation can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates that require 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 Dependence in Remission, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Alcohol Dependence in Remission

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

Patient in sustained remission attending therapy

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Remission status
  • Duration of sobriety
  • Treatment methods
  • Functional status

Example Documentation

Alcohol dependence in sustained remission. Sober for 22 months. Attends weekly therapy. No current impairment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has history of alcohol problems.
Good Documentation Example
Alcohol dependence in sustained remission per 6/2023 discharge summary from ABC Rehab. Maintains sobriety 22 months through weekly SMART Recovery meetings and naltrexone 50mg daily. No cravings or functional impairment documented.
Explanation
The good example provides specific remission status, duration, and treatment details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Alcohol Dependence in Remission? Ask your questions below.

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