Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Smoker(F17.210, F17.218)

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

Also known as:

Tobacco UserNicotine DependenceCigarette Smoker

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Smoker

F17.2Primary Range

Nicotine dependence

This range covers all forms of nicotine dependence, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping.

Tobacco use, unspecified

Used for tobacco use without dependence, typically for social smokers.

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Used for documenting exposure to secondhand smoke.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F17.210Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicatedUse when there is documented nicotine dependence on cigarettes without complications.
  • Patient reports smoking 1 pack/day for 15 years
  • Documented withdrawal symptoms
F17.218Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disordersUse when nicotine dependence results in a specific disorder.
  • Documented causal relationship between smoking and disorder (e.g., bronchospasms)

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 smoker

Essential facts and insights about Smoker

The ICD-10 code for a smoker with nicotine dependence is F17.210 for cigarettes, uncomplicated.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for smoker

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits signs of nicotine dependence such as withdrawal symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed history of cigarette use is documented.

Applicable To

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Nicotine addiction

Excludes

  • Tobacco use without dependence (Z72.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient reports smoking 1 pack/day for 15 years
  • Documented withdrawal symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if dependence is not clearly documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of tobacco product and usage pattern.

Ancillary Codes

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

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use when documenting exposure to secondhand smoke.

Differential Codes

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

Tobacco use, unspecified

Z72.0
Use when there is no evidence of dependence.

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated

F17.210
Use when there are no associated disorders.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Smoker to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F17.210.

Impact

Clinical: Missed opportunities for intervention., Regulatory: Non-compliance with quality measures., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for counseling services.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure complete documentation, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F17.2 codes for dependence.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation to support specific code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Smoker

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

Primary care visit for smoker

Specialty: Family Medicine

Required Elements

  • Type of tobacco product
  • Usage pattern and history
  • Cessation attempts and methods
  • Related symptoms or disorders

Example Documentation

Patient reports smoking 1 pack/day for 15 years. Attempts to quit include nicotine patches and counseling. Reports morning cough.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient smokes.
Good Documentation Example
Patient smokes 1 pack/day for 15 years, has tried quitting with patches.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on usage and cessation attempts.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Smoker? 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