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ICD-10 Coding for Tobacco Use Disorder(F17.210, Z72.0)

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

Also known as:

Nicotine DependenceSmoking AddictionTobacco Addiction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tobacco Use Disorder

F17Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of tobacco

This range includes codes for nicotine dependence and related disorders.

Tobacco use, unspecified

Used for documenting tobacco use without dependence.

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 the patient is currently dependent on cigarettes without complications.
  • Documentation of DSM-5 criteria for nicotine dependence
  • Patient history of cigarette use
Z72.0Tobacco use, unspecifiedUse when the patient uses tobacco but does not meet criteria for dependence.
  • Documentation of tobacco use without meeting dependence criteria

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 tobacco use disorder

Essential facts and insights about Tobacco Use Disorder

The ICD-10 code for tobacco use disorder includes F17.210 for nicotine dependence and Z72.0 for tobacco use without dependence.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tobacco use disorder

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient meets DSM-5 criteria for nicotine dependence.

Applicable To

  • Nicotine dependence, cigarettes

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of DSM-5 criteria for nicotine dependence
  • Patient history of cigarette use

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if DSM-5 criteria are not met

Coding Notes

  • Ensure DSM-5 criteria are documented for dependence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Tobacco abuse counseling

Z71.6
Use when counseling is provided for tobacco cessation.

Differential Codes

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

Tobacco use, unspecified

Z72.0
Use Z72.0 for tobacco use without dependence.

Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated

F17.210
Use F17.210 if dependence criteria are met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to under-treatment of dependence., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on DSM-5 criteria, Use templates that prompt for necessary details

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use F17 codes when dependence is documented.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of tobacco use and dependence criteria.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates and clinician education.

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

Documentation Templates for Tobacco Use Disorder

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

Documenting Nicotine Dependence

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient's tobacco use history
  • DSM-5 criteria for dependence
  • Related health conditions
  • Cessation attempts and plans

Example Documentation

Patient is a 2 PPD smoker for 20 years, meets 5/11 DSM-5 criteria for nicotine dependence. COPD diagnosed, attributed to smoking. Counseling provided.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient smokes.
Good Documentation Example
Patient smokes 2 packs per day for 20 years, meets DSM-5 criteria for dependence, COPD linked to smoking.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on usage, dependence criteria, and related conditions.

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

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