ICD-10 Coding for Major Recurrent Depression(F33.0, F33.1, F33.2, F33.3, F33.41, F33.42)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Major Recurrent Depression. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Major Recurrent Depression
F33Primary Range
Major depressive disorder, recurrent
This range includes all codes related to recurrent episodes of major depressive disorder, categorized by severity and remission status.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild | Use when the patient has recurrent mild depressive episodes with a PHQ-9 score indicating mild severity. |
|
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate | Use when the patient has recurrent moderate depressive episodes with a PHQ-9 score indicating moderate severity. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features | Use when the patient has recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychotic features. |
|
| F33.3 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic symptoms | Use when the patient has recurrent severe depressive episodes with psychotic features. |
|
| F33.41 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in partial remission | Use when the patient is in partial remission from recurrent depressive episodes. |
|
| F33.42 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission | Use when the patient is in full remission from recurrent 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 major recurrent depression
Essential facts and insights about Major Recurrent Depression
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for major recurrent depression
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score between 5 and 9 with recurrent episodes
Applicable To
- Recurrent mild depressive episodes
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 5-9
- Symptoms persist for at least two weeks
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if severity is not properly documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'mild' to avoid using unspecified codes.
F33.1 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Use when the patient has recurrent moderate depressive episodes with a PHQ-9 score indicating moderate severity.
Applicable To
- Recurrent moderate depressive episodes
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 10-14
- Symptoms persist for at least two weeks
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'moderate' to avoid using unspecified codes.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Use when the patient has recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent severe depressive episodes without psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 15-19
- Symptoms persist for at least two weeks
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'severe without psychotic features' to avoid using unspecified codes.
F33.3 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic symptoms
Use when the patient has recurrent severe depressive episodes with psychotic features.
Applicable To
- Recurrent severe depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 20-27
- Symptoms persist for at least two weeks
- Presence of hallucinations or delusions
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'severe with psychotic features' to avoid using unspecified codes.
F33.41 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in partial remission
Use when the patient is in partial remission from recurrent depressive episodes.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive episodes in partial remission
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms persist but below diagnostic threshold
- PHQ-9 score reduced but not zero
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'partial remission' to avoid using unspecified codes.
F33.42 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission
Use when the patient is in full remission from recurrent depressive episodes.
Applicable To
- Recurrent depressive episodes in full remission
Excludes
- Bipolar disorder (F31.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Asymptomatic for at least two months
- PHQ-9 score near zero
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies 'full remission' to avoid using unspecified codes.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Dysthymia
F34.1Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
F43.21Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic symptoms
F33.3Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Major Recurrent Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for incorrect billing
Mitigation Strategy
Regularly update remission status, Use PHQ-9 scores to track changes
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like F33.1 or F33.2 based on documented severity.
Impact
Use of unspecified codes when specific severity is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on proper documentation and coding practices.
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 Recurrent Depression, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Major Recurrent Depression
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Major Recurrent Depression. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Recurrent MDD with moderate severity
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Episode type
- Severity
- Psychotic features
- Remission status
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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