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ICD-10 Coding for Opioid Withdrawal(F11.93, F11.23)

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

Also known as:

Opioid Withdrawal SyndromeOpioid Detoxification

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Opioid Withdrawal

F11.9-F11.99Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of opioids

This range includes codes for opioid use disorders and withdrawal symptoms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F11.93Opioid withdrawal without use disorderUse when a patient experiences withdrawal symptoms without meeting criteria for opioid use disorder.
  • COWS score ≥5
  • Documented absence of opioid use disorder
F11.23Opioid withdrawal with moderate or severe use disorderUse when a patient meets criteria for moderate or severe opioid use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal.
  • DSM-5 criteria for moderate/severe opioid use disorder
  • COWS score indicating withdrawal

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 opioid withdrawal

Essential facts and insights about Opioid Withdrawal

The ICD-10 code for opioid withdrawal without use disorder is F11.93, while F11.23 is used for withdrawal with moderate/severe use disorder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for opioid withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal without use disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • COWS score and absence of opioid use disorder

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit statement of no opioid use disorder

Applicable To

  • Opioid withdrawal without a diagnosis of opioid use disorder

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • COWS score ≥5
  • Documented absence of opioid use disorder

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when opioid use disorder is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of opioid use disorder.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use to document fever as a symptom of withdrawal.

Functional diarrhea

K59.1
Use to document diarrhea as a symptom of withdrawal.

Adverse effect of opioids

T40.2X5A
Use to document adverse effects during withdrawal.

Differential Codes

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

Opioid withdrawal with moderate or severe use disorder

F11.23
Use when opioid use disorder criteria are met with moderate or severe symptoms.

Opioid withdrawal with mild use disorder

F11.13
Use when opioid use disorder criteria are met with mild symptoms.

Opioid withdrawal without use disorder

F11.93
Use when no opioid use disorder is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Opioid Withdrawal to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F11.93.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical validation of withdrawal., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Risk of denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure COWS score is documented for all withdrawal cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the presence of opioid use disorder and use F11.23 or F11.13 as appropriate.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and use disorder status.

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 Opioid Withdrawal, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Opioid Withdrawal

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Last opioid use
  • COWS score
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Opioid use disorder status

Example Documentation

35yo male presents with opioid withdrawal. Last use 24h ago. COWS=12. No opioid use disorder.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Opioid withdrawal.
Good Documentation Example
Opioid withdrawal without use disorder. Last use 24h ago. COWS=12.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Opioid Withdrawal? Ask your questions below.

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