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ICD-10 Coding for Stimulant Use Disorder(F15.20, F15.21)

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

Also known as:

Amphetamine Use DisorderCocaine Use DisorderMethamphetamine Use Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Stimulant Use Disorder

F15.1-F15.9Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of stimulants

This range covers all mental and behavioral disorders related to stimulant use, including use, abuse, dependence, and associated complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F15.20Stimulant dependence, uncomplicatedUse when the patient is dependent on stimulants without acute complications.
  • Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for dependence
  • Documented history of escalating use and tolerance
F15.21Stimulant dependence with intoxicationUse when the patient is dependent and currently intoxicated.
  • Positive urine toxicology for stimulants
  • Clinical signs of intoxication such as tachycardia

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 stimulant use disorder

Essential facts and insights about Stimulant Use Disorder

The ICD-10 code for stimulant use disorder is F15.20 for uncomplicated dependence and F15.21 for dependence with intoxication.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for stimulant use disorder

Stimulant dependence, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance.

Applicable To

  • Amphetamine dependence
  • Cocaine dependence

Excludes

  • Stimulant-induced psychotic disorder (F15.159)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for dependence
  • Documented history of escalating use and tolerance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if complications are present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between use, abuse, and dependence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of opiate analgesic

Z79.891
Use to indicate long-term use of prescribed stimulants.

Finding of cocaine in blood

R78.2
Use to document laboratory findings supporting intoxication.

Differential Codes

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

Stimulant abuse, uncomplicated

F15.10
Use F15.10 if the patient is abusing stimulants but does not meet dependence criteria.

Stimulant dependence with withdrawal

F15.23
Use F15.23 if the patient is experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Stimulant Use Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F15.20.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the severity of the disorder., Use standardized assessment tools.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to insufficient documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure DSM-5 criteria are documented in the patient's record.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of remission status can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure remission is clearly documented with dates and criteria.

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

Documentation Templates for Stimulant Use Disorder

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

Stimulant dependence with complications

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Substance use history
  • DSM-5 criteria met
  • Complications
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with methamphetamine dependence, severe, with associated paranoia. DSM-5 criteria met include increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy and monitoring.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient uses meth.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has methamphetamine dependence, severe, meeting 6 DSM-5 criteria, including tolerance and withdrawal.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria and severity, which is necessary for accurate coding.

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

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