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ICD-10 Coding for Severe Opioid Use Disorder(F11.20, Z79.891)

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

Also known as:

Severe OUDOpioid Dependence

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Severe Opioid Use Disorder

F11.20-F11.29Primary Range

Opioid-related disorders

This range includes codes for opioid dependence and related complications, which are central to diagnosing severe opioid use disorder.

Long-term (current) use of opiate analgesic

This code is used for patients on long-term opioid therapy without a diagnosis of opioid use disorder.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F11.20Opioid dependence, uncomplicatedUse when the patient meets the criteria for severe opioid use disorder, with documented dependence.
  • Documentation of ≥6 DSM-5 criteria
  • Urine drug screen positive for non-prescribed opioids
Z79.891Long-term (current) use of opiate analgesicUse for patients on long-term opioid therapy without a diagnosis of opioid use disorder.
  • Documentation of opioid use as prescribed without signs of dependence

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 severe opioid use disorder

Essential facts and insights about Severe Opioid Use Disorder

The ICD-10 code for severe opioid use disorder is F11.20, indicating opioid dependence, uncomplicated.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for opioid use disorder severe

Opioid dependence, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient meets ≥6 DSM-5 criteria for opioid use disorder.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of opioid dependence and related impacts.

Applicable To

  • Severe opioid use disorder meeting ≥6 DSM-5 criteria

Excludes

  • Opioid abuse without dependence
  • Long-term opioid use without dependence

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of ≥6 DSM-5 criteria
  • Urine drug screen positive for non-prescribed opioids

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse for patients on prescribed opioids without dependence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the number of DSM-5 criteria met.

Ancillary Codes

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

Opioid dependence with withdrawal

F11.23
Use when withdrawal symptoms are documented alongside dependence.

Differential Codes

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

Opioid abuse, uncomplicated

F11.10
Use F11.10 if fewer than 6 DSM-5 criteria are met.

Opioid dependence, uncomplicated

F11.20
Use F11.20 if the patient meets criteria for opioid dependence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Severe Opioid Use Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F11.20.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific DSM-5 criteria in documentation, Provide detailed examples

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on the severity of opioid use disorder.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to specify severity and use F11.20 if ≥6 criteria are met.

Impact

Using F11.90 when severity is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies DSM-5 criteria met.

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 Severe Opioid Use Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Severe Opioid Use Disorder

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

Severe OUD with withdrawal symptoms

Specialty: Addiction Medicine

Required Elements

  • DSM-5 criteria met
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Functional impairment

Example Documentation

Patient meets 7 DSM-5 criteria, including daily withdrawal symptoms and continued use despite job loss.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has opioid issues.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets 7/11 DSM-5 criteria: spends 4+ hrs/day obtaining opioids, $800/month opioid expenses causing eviction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and consequences, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Severe Opioid Use Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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