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ICD-10 Coding for Bipolar Mood Disorder(F31.9, F31.81)

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

Also known as:

Bipolar DisorderManic-Depressive Illness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bipolar Mood Disorder

F31Primary Range

Bipolar disorder

This range includes all types of bipolar disorder, specifying episodes and severity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F31.9Bipolar disorder, unspecifiedUse when the specific type of bipolar disorder is not documented.
  • Diagnosis of bipolar disorder without specific episode details
F31.81Bipolar II disorderUse for patients diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder.
  • Presence of hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes

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 bipolar mood disorder

Essential facts and insights about Bipolar Mood Disorder

The ICD-10 code for unspecified bipolar mood disorder is F31.9. Specific episodes have distinct codes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bipolar mood disorder

Bipolar disorder, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific episode documentation

Applicable To

  • Bipolar disorder NOS

Excludes

  • Major depressive disorder (F32.-, F33.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Diagnosis of bipolar disorder without specific episode details

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific episode details are available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document any available episode details to avoid using unspecified codes.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Bipolar disorder includes manic or hypomanic episodes, unlike major depressive disorder.

Bipolar disorder, current episode hypomanic

F31.0
Bipolar I disorder includes manic episodes, whereas Bipolar II does not.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized documentation templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Document and code the specific episode type and severity.

Impact

Audits may target unspecified bipolar disorder codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific episode details.

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

Documentation Templates for Bipolar Mood Disorder

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

Bipolar I Disorder, Current Episode Manic

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Episode type
  • Severity
  • Psychotic features

Example Documentation

Patient presents with elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and grandiosity. Diagnosis: Bipolar I disorder, current episode manic, moderate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has bipolar disorder.
Good Documentation Example
Bipolar I disorder, current episode manic, moderate severity.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the episode and severity, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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