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ICD-10 Coding for Substance Abuse Unspecified(F11.90, F12.90)

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

Also known as:

Unspecified Substance Use DisorderSubstance Use NOS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Substance Abuse Unspecified

F10-F19Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

This range includes codes for substance use disorders, including unspecified use.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F11.90Opioid use, unspecified, uncomplicatedUse when opioid use is documented without specification of abuse or dependence.
  • Provider documentation linking opioid use to a specific disorder
F12.90Cannabis use, unspecified, uncomplicatedUse when cannabis use is documented without specification of abuse or dependence.
  • Provider documentation linking cannabis use to a specific disorder

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 unspecified substance abuse

Essential facts and insights about Substance Abuse Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for unspecified substance abuse is F11.90 for opioids and F12.90 for cannabis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for substance abuse unspecified

Opioid use, unspecified, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documented link between opioid use and a disorder.

Applicable To

  • Opioid use disorder, unspecified

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Provider documentation linking opioid use to a specific disorder

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if abuse or dependence is present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the link between opioid use and any related disorders.

Ancillary Codes

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

Insomnia, unspecified

G47.00
Use to document insomnia related to opioid use.

Pregnancy complicated by cannabis use

O99.320
Use to document cannabis use during pregnancy.

Differential Codes

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

Opioid abuse, uncomplicated

F11.10
Use when opioid abuse is documented.

Cannabis abuse, uncomplicated

F12.10
Use when cannabis abuse is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Substance Abuse Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F11.90.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical data on substance use impact., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Use templates to guide documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on substance use disorders.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure provider documents a specific disorder linked to substance use.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified coding without documented disorders.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation linking substance use to disorders.

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 Substance Abuse Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Substance Abuse Unspecified

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

Substance Use in Pain Management

Specialty: Pain Management

Required Elements

  • Substance use frequency
  • Associated disorder
  • Provider statement on substance impact

Example Documentation

Patient uses opioids daily, contributing to chronic back pain.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient uses opioids.
Good Documentation Example
Patient's daily opioid use exacerbates chronic back pain.
Explanation
The good example links substance use to a specific disorder.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Substance Abuse Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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