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ICD-10 Coding for Reactive Depression(F43.21)

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

Also known as:

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed MoodSituational Depression

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Reactive Depression

F43.2xPrimary Range

Adjustment disorders

This range includes all adjustment disorders, with specific codes for those with depressed mood.

Major Depressive Disorder

Used for differential diagnosis when symptoms meet criteria for major depressive episodes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for reactive depression

Essential facts and insights about Reactive Depression

The ICD-10 code for reactive depression is F43.21, used for adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for reactive depression

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms onset within 3 months of stressor

coding Criteria

  • Symptoms do not meet MDD criteria

Applicable To

  • Depression due to specific stressor

Excludes

  • Major depressive disorder (F32.x, F33.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms onset within 3 months of identifiable stressor
  • Symptoms do not meet criteria for major depressive disorder

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as MDD if symptoms persist beyond 6 months

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the stressor is documented and linked to the depressive symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Family disruption

Z63.5
Use to specify stressors like divorce or separation.

Differential Codes

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

Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild

F32.0
Use when symptoms meet MDD criteria, including duration and severity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Reactive Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F43.21.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the stressor clearly in the patient's record.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Evaluate symptom duration and severity; use MDD codes if criteria are met.

Impact

Failure to document the stressor can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist to ensure stressors 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 Reactive Depression, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Reactive Depression

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

Depression following job loss

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Stressor identification
  • Symptom description
  • Duration of symptoms
  • PHQ-9 score

Example Documentation

Patient presents with low mood and insomnia following job loss 2 months ago. PHQ-9 score 12. No prior depressive episodes. Diagnosis: F43.21, Z56.6.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient feels sad.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports depressed mood and insomnia following job loss 2 months ago. PHQ-9 score 12.
Explanation
The good example specifies the stressor and uses a validated tool to assess severity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Reactive Depression? Ask your questions below.

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