Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Polysubstance Use Disorder(F19.10, F19.20)

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

Also known as:

Multiple Substance Use DisorderPolydrug Use Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Polysubstance Use Disorder

F19.1-F19.9Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to multiple drug use and use of other psychoactive substances

This range includes codes for polysubstance use, abuse, dependence, and related conditions.

Poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics [hallucinogens]

These codes are used for documenting poisoning and toxic effects related to substance use.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F19.10Mental and behavioral disorders due to multiple drug use and use of other psychoactive substances, uncomplicatedUse when multiple substances are used but do not meet criteria for abuse or dependence.
  • Documentation of multiple substances used
  • No criteria for abuse or dependence met
F19.20Dependence syndromeUse when dependence criteria are met for multiple substances.
  • Documentation of tolerance, withdrawal, or continued use despite harm

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 polysubstance use disorder

Essential facts and insights about Polysubstance Use Disorder

The ICD-10 code for polysubstance use disorder is F19.10 for uncomplicated use and F19.20 for dependence.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for polysubstance use disorder

Mental and behavioral disorders due to multiple drug use and use of other psychoactive substances, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Multiple substances used without meeting abuse or dependence criteria.

Applicable To

  • Polysubstance use without complications

Excludes

  • Substance-specific disorders (F10-F18)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of multiple substances used
  • No criteria for abuse or dependence met

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if abuse or dependence criteria are met.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies each substance and pattern of use.

Ancillary Codes

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

Poisoning by hallucinogens, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter

T40.6X1A
Use to document poisoning incidents related to polysubstance use.

Adverse effect of methamphetamine, initial encounter

T40.5X5A
Use to document adverse effects related to methamphetamine use.

Differential Codes

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

Dependence syndrome

F19.20
Use F19.20 if dependence criteria are met, including tolerance or withdrawal.

Uncomplicated use

F19.10
Use F19.10 if no dependence criteria are met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Polysubstance Use Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F19.10.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms for each substance., Document patterns and effects of use.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 documentation standards., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify each substance and pattern of use in documentation.

Impact

Lack of specific substance documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all substances and patterns of use are documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Polysubstance Use Disorder

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

Polysubstance dependence with withdrawal

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Substances used
  • Pattern of use
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with heroin and cocaine dependence presents with withdrawal symptoms. Treatment initiated with methadone.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient abuses drugs.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with heroin and cocaine dependence, experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Explanation
The good example specifies substances and symptoms, supporting accurate coding.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more