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ICD-10 Coding for Nightmare Disorder(F51.5)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Nightmare Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Dream Anxiety DisorderNightmare Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nightmare Disorder

F51.0-F51.9Primary Range

Sleep disorders not due to a substance or known physiological condition

This range includes disorders related to sleep disturbances, such as nightmares, that are not caused by external substances or medical conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for nightmares

Essential facts and insights about Nightmare Disorder

The ICD-10 code for nightmare disorder is F51.5, used for recurrent dysphoric dreams causing distress or impairment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for nightmares

Nightmare disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Recurrent nightmares causing significant distress or impairment

coding Criteria

  • Exclude substance-induced sleep disorders

documentation Criteria

  • Document detailed dream recall and impact on functioning

Applicable To

  • Recurrent dysphoric dreams causing distress or impairment

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Recurrent dysphoric dreams with detailed recall
  • No substance or medical etiology
  • Distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with substance-induced sleep disorders
  • Failure to document frequency and impact

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the frequency, content, and impact of nightmares to support the use of F51.5.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sleep hygiene

Z72.821
Use when poor sleep hygiene is a contributory factor to the nightmare disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified

F43.10
Use when nightmares are associated with PTSD.

Differential Codes

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

Sleep terrors

F51.4
Characterized by abrupt awakenings with intense fear and autonomic arousal, typically without detailed dream recall.

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea

G47.33
Diagnosed with polysomnography showing apneas or hypopneas, often associated with snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nightmare Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F51.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language in documentation, Train staff on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Document negative substance use history and confirm no recent medication changes.

Impact

High risk of audits if nightmares are coded without proper exclusion of substance-induced causes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of substance use history and exclusion criteria.

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 Nightmare Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Nightmare Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Nightmare Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Nightmares in PTSD

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Frequency and content of nightmares
  • Impact on daily functioning
  • Exclusion of substance use
  • Comorbid conditions

Example Documentation

Patient reports nightmares 4 times a week involving combat scenarios, causing significant distress and avoidance behavior. No substance use. PTSD diagnosis confirmed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has nightmares.
Good Documentation Example
Patient experiences nightmares 3-4 times weekly, involving drowning scenarios, leading to daytime fatigue and avoidance of water-related activities.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on frequency, content, and impact, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Nightmare Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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