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ICD-10 Coding for Bipolar Disorder Unspecified(F31.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bipolar Disorder Unspecified. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bipolar Disorder NOSBipolar Affective Disorder Unspecifiedbipolar nosbipolar disorder not otherwise specified

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

F30-F39Primary Range

Mood [affective] disorders

This range includes all mood disorders, including bipolar disorder unspecified, which is coded under F31.9.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bipolar disorder unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for bipolar disorder unspecified is F31.9, used when specific episode type or severity is unclear.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bipolar disorder unspecified

Bipolar disorder, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Mood episodes lack clear manic or depressive predominance.

documentation Criteria

  • Insufficient information to classify as bipolar I or II.

Applicable To

  • Mood swings without clear manic or depressive dominance
  • Mixed features without detailed specification

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of mood swings, changes in energy, sleep, appetite, and cognitive function
  • Symptoms do not meet full criteria for specific bipolar episodes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if more specific information is available
  • Potential for audit if used excessively without attempts to refine diagnosis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies lack of detail in episode type or severity to justify F31.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified psychosis

F29
Use when psychotic features are present but not linked to mood episodes.

Differential Codes

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

Bipolar II disorder

F31.81
Requires documented hypomanic episodes and major depression.

Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed

F31.6x
Requires simultaneous presence of manic and depressive symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bipolar Disorder Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F31.9.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: May result in compliance issues during audits., Financial: Potentially affects reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of symptoms and episode characteristics., Regularly review and update patient records with new information.

Impact

Reimbursement: May reduce reimbursement potential compared to more specific codes., Compliance: Could lead to compliance issues if used inappropriately., Data Quality: Affects data quality and accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for additional details on episode type and severity.

Impact

Frequent use of F31.9 without attempts to refine diagnosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly review patient records and update with specific details as they become available.

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 Bipolar Disorder Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bipolar Disorder Unspecified

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bipolar Disorder Unspecified. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Patient presents with mood swings and erratic behavior.

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient reports mood swings.
  • Objective: Mood labile, speech pressured.
  • Assessment: Bipolar disorder, unspecified (F31.9).
  • Plan: Mood stabilizer trial.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has bipolar disorder.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits alternating hypomanic symptoms (3-day duration) and depressive episodes with insomnia, but episodes lack duration/severity for bipolar I/II. No psychosis observed.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptom details and clarifies the lack of sufficient criteria for a more specific bipolar diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bipolar Disorder Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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