ICD-10 Coding for Major Depression(F32.0, F32.1, F32.2, F33.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depression. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Major Depression
F32-F33Primary Range
Major depressive disorder, single and recurrent episodes
This range covers all variations of major depressive disorder, including single and recurrent episodes, with or without psychotic features.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild | Use for a single episode of mild depression with documented symptoms. |
|
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate | Use for a single episode of moderate depression with documented symptoms. |
|
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features | Use for a single episode of severe depression without psychotic features. |
|
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild | Use for recurrent episodes of mild depression with documented symptoms. |
|
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 major depression
Essential facts and insights about Major Depression
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major depression
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score between 5-9
Applicable To
- Single episode of mild depression
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score between 5-9
- Documentation of mild symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if severity is not clearly documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'single episode' and 'mild' severity.
F32.1 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Use for a single episode of moderate depression with documented symptoms.
Applicable To
- Single episode of moderate depression
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score between 10-14
- Documentation of moderate symptoms
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'single episode' and 'moderate' severity.
F32.2 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
Use for a single episode of severe depression without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Single episode of severe depression without psychosis
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score between 15-19
- Documentation of severe symptoms without psychosis
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'single episode' and 'severe' severity.
F33.0 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
Use for recurrent episodes of mild depression with documented symptoms.
Applicable To
- Recurrent episodes of mild depression
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score between 5-9
- Documentation of recurrent mild symptoms
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'mild' severity.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify episode type in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific details such as episode type and severity.
Impact
High risk of audit when unspecified codes are used without justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific details such as severity and episode type.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Major Depression
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depression. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Recurrent Major Depression
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Episode type
- Severity
- PHQ-9 score
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Major Depression? Ask your questions below.