Behavioral Health ICD-10-CM codes

Depression coding hinges on episode and severity. F32.9 is major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified; recurrent episodes move to F33 (F33.1 moderate, F33.2 severe without psychotic features); and F32.A (depression, unspecified) is the correct code when the clinician documents depression without confirming major depressive disorder. Persistent depressive disorder is F34.1. Payers reviewing psychotherapy claims expect the severity and episode characters to match the documented symptom burden.

Anxiety splits between generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1) and unspecified anxiety (F41.9); the adjustment disorders (F43.21 with depressed mood, F43.22 with anxiety, F43.23 mixed) apply when symptoms follow an identifiable stressor and do not meet criteria for a primary mood or anxiety disorder. PTSD is coded by chronicity: F43.10 unspecified, F43.12 chronic.

Substance use disorders are coded by substance, use pattern, and complication; the uncomplicated dependence codes (F10.20 alcohol, F11.20 opioid, F12.20 cannabis) are the workhorses, and remission has its own codes documented by the clinician. Do not code abuse and dependence for the same substance together; dependence wins. Nicotine dependence with cigarettes is F17.210 and belongs on the claim whenever cessation is addressed.

Suicidal ideation (R45.851) should be coded whenever it is assessed and present, including alongside a mood disorder code. Depression screening in any setting is Z13.31. For ADHD, match the presentation: F90.0 inattentive, F90.1 hyperactive-impulsive, F90.2 combined.