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ICD-10 Coding for Depression in Remission(F32.5, F33.42)

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

Also known as:

Major Depressive Disorder in RemissionMDD in Remission

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Depression in Remission

F32-F33Primary Range

Major Depressive Disorder, Single and Recurrent Episodes

This range includes codes for major depressive disorder, both single and recurrent episodes, including those in remission.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F32.5Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remissionUse for patients with a single episode of major depressive disorder that is in full remission.
  • PHQ-9 score less than 5
  • No depressive symptoms for at least 2 months
F33.42Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remissionUse for patients with recurrent major depressive disorder that is in full remission.
  • PHQ-9 score less than 5
  • Documented history of at least two prior 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 depression in remission

Essential facts and insights about Depression in Remission

Depression in remission is coded as F32.5 for single episodes and F33.42 for recurrent episodes, with no symptoms for 2+ months.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for depression in remission

Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remission
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PHQ-9 score less than 5 and no symptoms for 2+ months

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of remission status and duration

Applicable To

  • Single episode of major depressive disorder in full remission

Excludes

  • Recurrent major depressive disorder in remission (F33.42)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score less than 5
  • No depressive symptoms for at least 2 months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if symptoms are present
  • Incorrect use if duration of remission is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'in full remission' and includes PHQ-9 scores.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders

Z86.59
Use when documenting a history of depression that is no longer active.

Other long term (current) drug therapy

Z79.899
Use when documenting ongoing medication for relapse prevention.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission

F33.42
Use F33.42 for recurrent episodes in remission, not F32.5.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remission

F32.5
Use F32.5 for single episodes in remission, not F33.42.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Depression in Remission to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards, Use templates that prompt for remission details

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific remission codes like F32.5 or F33.42.

Impact

Audits may target use of F32.9 when specific remission codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes like F32.5 or F33.42.

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 Depression in Remission, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Depression in Remission

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

Follow-up for MDD in remission

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • PHQ-9 score
  • Duration of remission
  • Functional status
  • Current treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports no depressive symptoms for 3 months. PHQ-9 score: 2/27. Continues on sertraline 100mg daily. Diagnosis: F33.42.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Depression improved.
Good Documentation Example
PHQ-9 score 3/27, no symptoms for 3 months, functioning well at work.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical data and duration, supporting the remission code.

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

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