PTSD ICD-10-CM codes

PTSD has three codes: F43.10 (unspecified), F43.11 (acute), and F43.12 (chronic). Acute PTSD means symptoms have lasted less than three months; chronic means three months or longer. Providers frequently document only PTSD, in which case F43.10 is correct. Do not infer chronic from the length of time since the trauma.

Acute stress reaction (F43.0) covers the first days to weeks after a traumatic event, before PTSD can be diagnosed. F43.81 (prolonged grief disorder) was added in FY2023 and F43.89 covers other reactions to severe stress. F43.9 is the unspecified reaction to severe stress.

Adjustment disorders (F43.2-) are a different diagnosis for a maladaptive response to a non-traumatic stressor and should not be substituted for PTSD. Nightmare disorder (F51.5) may be reported with PTSD when the provider documents it as a separate diagnosis. Combat-related or assault-related PTSD is still F43.1-; the external cause can be captured with a Y or X code when the payer requires it.