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ICD-10 Coding for Mild Recurrent Major Depression(F33.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mild Recurrent Major Depression. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Recurrent Depressive Disorder, MildMild Recurrent MDD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Recurrent Major Depression

F33.0-F33.9Primary Range

Recurrent Depressive Disorder

This range includes all recurrent depressive disorders, with F33.0 specifically for mild cases.

Other specified anxiety disorders

Used when anxiety is a significant comorbid condition with depression.

Dysthymia

Differential diagnosis for chronic low-grade depression not meeting MDD criteria.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for mild recurrent major depression

Essential facts and insights about Mild Recurrent Major Depression

The ICD-10 code for mild recurrent major depression is F33.0, used for recurrent episodes with mild symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for mild recurrent major depression

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a history of at least two depressive episodes.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'recurrent' and 'mild'.

Applicable To

  • Recurrent depressive disorder, mild

Excludes

  • Single episode major depressive disorder (F32.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • At least two prior episodes of depression
  • Current episode lasting at least two weeks
  • PHQ-9 score between 5-9

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as single episode
  • Incorrect severity level documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'mild' to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified anxiety disorders

F41.8
Use when anxiety symptoms are significant alongside depression.

Differential Codes

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

Dysthymia

F34.1
Chronic symptoms lasting more than two years without meeting full criteria for MDD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild Recurrent Major 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 reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies recurrence and severity to use F33.0.

Impact

Failure to document severity can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits and training.

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 Mild Recurrent Major Depression, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mild Recurrent Major Depression

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

Progress Note for Mild Recurrent MDD

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • PHQ-9 score
  • Symptom description
  • Diagnosis statement

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 42yo F with hx of 3 MDD episodes (last 6/2024) reports: Low mood 16/30 days, Mild anhedonia (still attends work), Fatigue + insomnia, PHQ-9=8 (mild range) **Assessment**: Recurrent MDD, mild (F33.0), 4th lifetime episode, Partial response to current SSRI **Plan**: Continue sertraline, CBT referral

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Depression continues
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent MDD, mild severity: PHQ-9=8 (low energy, anhedonia x3 weeks), 4th lifetime episode
Explanation
The good example specifies recurrence, severity, and includes a PHQ-9 score, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mild Recurrent Major Depression? Ask your questions below.

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