ICD-10 Coding for Anxiety Attack(F41.0, F41.1, F41.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anxiety Attack. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Anxiety Attack
F40-F48Primary Range
Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders
This range includes all anxiety-related disorders, including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F41.0 | Panic disorder [episodic paroxysmal anxiety] | Use when the patient experiences recurrent panic attacks with specific symptoms. |
|
| F41.1 | Generalized anxiety disorder | Use when anxiety is chronic and impacts multiple life domains. |
|
| F41.9 | Anxiety disorder, unspecified | Use when anxiety symptoms do not meet criteria for a specific 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 anxiety attack
Essential facts and insights about Anxiety Attack
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anxiety attack
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with specific symptoms
documentation Criteria
- Documented symptoms and duration
Applicable To
- Panic attack
Excludes
- Anxiety disorder, unspecified (F41.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
- ≥4 symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling
- Symptoms peak within 10 minutes
Code-Specific Risks
- Overlapping symptoms with other anxiety disorders
- Misclassification if not all criteria are met
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation includes specific symptoms and duration.
F41.1 - Generalized anxiety disorder
Use when anxiety is chronic and impacts multiple life domains.
Applicable To
- Chronic anxiety
Excludes
- Panic disorder (F41.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Excessive anxiety occurring more days than not for 6+ months
- Functional impairment due to anxiety
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes duration and impact on daily life.
F41.9 - Anxiety disorder, unspecified
Use when anxiety symptoms do not meet criteria for a specific disorder.
Applicable To
- Anxiety NOS
Excludes
- Panic disorder (F41.0)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Anxiety symptoms present but insufficient for specific diagnosis
Coding Notes
Use only when specific criteria for other anxiety disorders are not met.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anxiety Attack to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F41.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to vague treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: May result in claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all symptoms and durations are documented., Use specific codes whenever possible.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can affect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Sequence depression codes first if anxiety occurs during depressive episodes.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are overused without proper documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all symptoms and durations are documented to justify code use.
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 Anxiety Attack, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Anxiety Attack
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anxiety Attack. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Note
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Review of systems
- Assessment
- Plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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