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ICD-10 Coding for Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate(F32.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

MDD, Single Episode, ModerateModerate Depression, Single Episode

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate

F30-F39Primary Range

Mood [affective] disorders

This range includes all mood disorders, with F32.1 specifically for moderate single episode major depressive disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder single episode moderate

Essential facts and insights about Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate

The ICD-10 code for major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate is F32.1, used for 4-6 symptoms lasting at least two weeks.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for major depressive disorder single episode moderate

Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of 4-6 depressive symptoms for at least 2 weeks.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'single episode' and 'moderate severity'.

Applicable To

  • Moderate depressive episode

Excludes

  • Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
  • Recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PHQ-9 score between 10-14
  • Presence of 4-6 depressive symptoms for at least 2 weeks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Undercoding if severity is not documented
  • Misclassification if episode type is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'single episode' and 'moderate' to avoid queries.

Ancillary Codes

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

Disruption of family by separation and divorce

Z63.5
Use to indicate social stressors impacting the depressive episode.

Long term (current) use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Z79.4
Use to indicate ongoing SSRI treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Dysthymia

F34.1
Chronic low-grade depression lasting more than 2 years.

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

F43.21
Depression linked to a specific stressor, typically resolving within 6 months.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F32.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of depression severity., Regulatory: Potential for coding audits and queries., Financial: Risk of claim denials due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized assessment tools like PHQ-9., Train staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific severity and episode type to use F32.1.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of symptom severity and impact.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training and use of standardized templates.

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 Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial diagnosis of moderate depression

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Symptom list
  • PHQ-9 score
  • Functional impairment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'I’ve felt hopeless for 3 weeks, can’t focus at work.' **Objective**: PHQ-9: 12/27 (moderate), Symptoms: Anhedonia, insomnia, fatigue, guilt (5/9 criteria), No psychosis/suicidality **Assessment**: MDD, single episode, moderate (F32.1) **Plan**: Sertraline 50mg daily, CBT weekly.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Depression, moderate.
Good Documentation Example
F32.1: 5 symptoms x 18 days. PHQ-9: 13. Work absenteeism: 8 days.
Explanation
The good example specifies the number of symptoms, duration, and functional impact, aligning with coding requirements.

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