What is the ICD-10 code for moderate depression?

The ICD-10 code for a single episode of moderate depression is F32.1, and for recurrent episodes, it is F33.1.

How is moderate depression documented?

Moderate depression should be documented with specific symptoms, PHQ-9 scores between 10-14, and functional impact. Specify if the episode is single or recurrent.

ICD-10 Coding for Moderate Depression(F32.1, F32.0, F32.2)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for moderate depression, including codes F32.1 and F33.1, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

Moderate Major Depressive DisorderModerate MDD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Moderate Depression

F01-F99Primary Range

Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
F32.1	Moderate depressive episode	Use when diagnosing a single episode of moderate depression with documented symptoms and PHQ-9 score.	PHQ-9 score between 10-14 Presence of four or more depressive symptoms Functional impairment documented
F33.1	Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode moderate	Use for recurrent episodes of moderate depression with documented history and symptoms.	PHQ-9 score between 10-14 History of previous depressive episodes Functional impairment documented

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

F32.1Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Mild depressive episodeF32.0

Severe depressive episodeF32.2

Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode mildF33.0

Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode severeF33.2

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Moderate Depression.

Omitting episode type in documentation

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increased risk of audit findings., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced payment.

Mitigation

Always document whether the episode is single or recurrent., Use templates that prompt for episode type.

Using unspecified codes like F32.9

Impact

Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement rates for unspecified codes., Compliance: Increased audit risk for lack of specificity., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in patient records.

Mitigation

Document specific severity and episode type to use F32.1 or F33.1.

Use of unspecified codes

Impact

High audit risk when using codes like F32.9 without justification.

Mitigation

Document specific symptoms and episode type to use specific codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with F32.1.

Primary Code

F32.1

Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

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ICD-10 codes9

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Moderate Depression(F32.1, F32.0, F32.2)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for moderate depression?

How is moderate depression documented?

Related condition guides