Coding Unspecified Depression
Published on
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Did you know?
Did you know that a new code has been created to identify unspecified Depression, NOS, effective October 1, 2021?
Previously in ICD--10, when a provider documented Depression, NOS, it was assigned to Major Depression, Single Episode, code (F32.9); however, only 10% out of 30% of patients that report symptoms of Depression, have Major Depression. Therefore, a new code has been created to capture Depression NOS.
• Depression, Unspecified (F32.A)
• Depression NOS (F32.A)
• Depressive Disorder NOS (F32.A)
Major Depression, Single Episode, Unspecified and Major Depression NOS is still assigned to code (F32.9).
Why it matters.
You may not be capturing the most accurate severity of illness of the patient.
What can I do?
Read Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS, Fourth Quarter 2021: Page 9
Article Author: Susie James, RHIT, CCS
Susie James, RHIT, CCS, is the Manager of Inpatient Coding Services at MMP, Inc. Susie has worked in the coding field for over 30 years and has worked as a coder, coding supervisor, and corporate coding manager for a large multi-facility system in Birmingham. She also worked for Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation (AQAF) as a coding reviewer/auditor before joining the team at Medical Management Plus, Inc. Susie has previously served as the President of the Alabama Association of Health Information Management (AAHIM) on the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Education/Coding Roundtable Chair. She is also a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and has previously served as the Co-chair for AHIMA's Leadership Team. She also served as a facilitator at AHIMA's 85th National Convention in Atlanta Georgia.
