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ICD-10 Coding for Smoking History(F17.210, Z87.891)

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

Also known as:

Tobacco Use HistoryNicotine Use History

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Smoking History

F17.2-Primary Range

Nicotine dependence

Used for coding current nicotine dependence and related conditions.

Tobacco use, current

Used for documenting current tobacco use without dependence.

Personal history of nicotine dependence

Used for documenting past nicotine dependence that is resolved.

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 for patients currently dependent on cigarettes.
  • Documented cigarette use with symptoms of dependence such as withdrawal or cravings.
Z87.891Personal history of nicotine dependenceUse for patients with a history of nicotine dependence that is resolved.
  • Documented cessation date and absence of dependence symptoms.

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 smoking history

Essential facts and insights about Smoking History

The ICD-10 code for a personal history of nicotine dependence is Z87.891.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for smoking history

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of withdrawal symptoms or failed quit attempts.

Applicable To

  • Current cigarette smoker with dependence

Excludes

  • History of nicotine dependence (Z87.891)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented cigarette use with symptoms of dependence such as withdrawal or cravings.

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding for past smokers.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies current dependence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified

J44.9
Use alongside F17.210 if COPD is present.

Differential Codes

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

Tobacco use, current

Z72.0
Use Z72.0 for current users without dependence.

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated

F17.210
Use F17.210 for current dependence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate patient care planning., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like '1 pack per day smoker'.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use F17.2- codes for current dependence.

Impact

Using Z87.891 for current smokers.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on code differentiation.

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

Documentation Templates for Smoking History

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

Current Smoker with COPD

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Product type
  • Quantity and duration
  • Symptoms of dependence
  • Associated conditions

Example Documentation

Patient smokes 1.5 packs/day of cigarettes, diagnosed with COPD. Reports difficulty breathing and frequent cough.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient is a smoker.
Good Documentation Example
Patient smokes 1.5 packs/day of Marlboro Reds, diagnosed with COPD. Reports shortness of breath.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about smoking habits and related health conditions.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Smoking History? Ask your questions below.

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