ICD-10 Coding for Major Depression, Severe(F32.2, F33.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depression, Severe. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Major Depression, Severe
F32-F33Primary Range
Major depressive disorder, single and recurrent episodes
This range includes all codes for major depressive disorder, specifying single or recurrent episodes and severity.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features | Use for a single episode of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features | Use for recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
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 severe major depression
Essential facts and insights about Major Depression, Severe
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depression severe
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score ≥20 and significant functional impairment
Applicable To
- Single episode of severe depression without psychosis
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score ≥20
- ≥5 SIGECAPS symptoms for ≥2 weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documenting severity
- Potential for audit if psychotic features are present but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the absence of psychotic features.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Use for recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent episodes of severe depression without psychosis
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score ≥20
- History of multiple depressive episodes
Coding Notes
Document the number of episodes and absence of psychotic features.
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 Major Depression, Severe to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.2.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough mental status examination, Detailed patient interviews
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the severity and presence of psychotic features.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of severity can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes severity indicators and functional impact.
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 Major Depression, Severe, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Major Depression, Severe
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depression, Severe. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial Evaluation of Severe Depression
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- PHQ-9 score
- Functional impairment
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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