ICD-10 Coding for Recurrent Major Depression(F33.0, F33.1, F33.2, F33.3, F33.4)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Recurrent Major Depression. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Recurrent Major Depression
F33.0-F33.9Primary Range
ICD-10 codes for recurrent major depressive disorder
This range includes all codes for recurrent episodes of major depressive disorder, specifying severity and remission status.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild | Use for patients with mild recurrent depressive episodes. |
|
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate | Use for patients with moderate recurrent depressive episodes. |
|
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features | Use for patients with severe recurrent depressive episodes without psychosis. |
|
| F33.3 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features | Use for patients with severe recurrent depressive episodes with psychosis. |
|
| F33.4 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in remission | Use for patients with recurrent depression currently in remission. |
|
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 recurrent major depression
Essential facts and insights about Recurrent Major Depression
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for recurrent major depression
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PHQ-9 score between 5-9 with mild symptoms.
Applicable To
- Mild recurrent major depression
Excludes
- Single episode major depression (F32.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 5-9
- Mild social impairment
Code-Specific Risks
- Under-coding severity if symptoms are more severe.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'recurrent' and 'mild'.
F33.1 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Use for patients with moderate recurrent depressive episodes.
Applicable To
- Moderate recurrent major depression
Excludes
- Single episode major depression (F32.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score 10-14
- Role dysfunction such as missed work
Coding Notes
Document 'recurrent' and 'moderate' explicitly.
F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
Use for patients with severe recurrent depressive episodes without psychosis.
Applicable To
- Severe recurrent major depression without psychosis
Excludes
- Single episode major depression (F32.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score ≥15
- Inability to perform ADLs
Coding Notes
Document severity and absence of psychotic features.
F33.3 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe with psychotic features
Use for patients with severe recurrent depressive episodes with psychosis.
Applicable To
- Severe recurrent major depression with psychosis
Excludes
- Single episode major depression (F32.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of delusions or hallucinations
- Documented MSE findings
Coding Notes
Document psychotic features explicitly.
F33.4 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in remission
Use for patients with recurrent depression currently in remission.
Applicable To
- Recurrent major depression in remission
Excludes
- Single episode major depression (F32.x)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PHQ-9 score <5
- No active depressive symptoms
Coding Notes
Document remission status and history of episodes.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Problems in relationship with spouse or partner
Z63.0Other specified anxiety disorders
F41.8Suicidal ideations
R45.81Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type
F20.81Personal history of other mental and behavioral disorders
Z86.59Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild
F32.0Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
F32.1Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
F32.2Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Recurrent Major Depression to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F33.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient's current status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for remission status.
Mitigation Strategy
Always update remission status in patient records., Use specific remission codes like F33.4.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific severity and features of the depression.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document specific severity and features.
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 Recurrent Major Depression, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Recurrent Major Depression
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Recurrent Major Depression. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Recurrent Major Depression with Moderate Severity
Specialty: PsychiatryRequired Elements
- Episode type
- Severity level
- Remission status
- PHQ-9 score
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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