Find comprehensive information on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism or alcohol dependence. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on clinical documentation, diagnosis codes for alcohol abuse, and best practices for diagnosing and treating AUD in a clinical setting. Learn about the criteria for alcohol dependence, screening tools for alcohol use disorder, and medical coding related to alcohol-related conditions.
Also known as
Alcohol Use Disorder
Covers various alcohol use disorders with and without dependence.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Liver conditions caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcoholic Polyneuropathy
Nerve damage resulting from chronic alcohol use.
Alcohol Dependence
Diagnoses specifically related to alcohol dependence/addiction.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the alcohol use disorder currently in remission?
Yes
In early remission?
No
Is there induced psychosis?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Problematic alcohol use with impairment or distress. |
| Alcohol withdrawal following cessation or reduction of heavy use. |
| Alcohol-induced mental disorders (e.g., psychosis, anxiety). |
Coding Alcohol Use Disorder without specifying mild, moderate, or severe impacts reimbursement and care planning.
Failing to code co-occurring mental health or physical conditions with AUD leads to inaccurate risk adjustment.
Incorrectly coding current vs. in remission or early vs. sustained remission can affect quality reporting and treatment.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based screening tools for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in primary care settings for early and accurate diagnosis?
A: Several evidence-based screening tools facilitate early and accurate AUD diagnosis in primary care. The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption) is a brief, validated tool ideal for quick assessment. For a more comprehensive evaluation, the full AUDIT questionnaire or the CAGE questionnaire can be employed. These tools assess alcohol consumption patterns, dependence symptoms, and related problems. Beyond these, clinicians might consider the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for a broader substance use assessment. Proper administration and interpretation of these tools are crucial. Explore how integrating validated screening tools into your workflow can improve AUD detection rates and patient outcomes. Consider implementing routine alcohol screening as part of standard patient intake procedures.
Q: How can I differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to DSM-5 criteria to tailor appropriate interventions and referrals?
A: The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for differentiating AUD severity based on the number of symptoms endorsed. Mild AUD is characterized by 2-3 symptoms, moderate AUD by 4-5 symptoms, and severe AUD by 6 or more symptoms. These symptoms encompass aspects like impaired control over alcohol use, social impairment, risky use, and physiological dependence (withdrawal). Accurate severity determination is essential for tailoring interventions and referrals. For mild AUD, brief interventions and motivational interviewing may be sufficient. Moderate AUD often warrants more intensive interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Severe AUD frequently necessitates referral to specialized addiction treatment programs or inpatient detoxification services. Learn more about the nuances of DSM-5 AUD criteria and explore tailored intervention strategies for varying severity levels.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism or alcohol dependence. The patient reports a history of alcohol abuse, exceeding recommended drinking limits, and experiencing negative consequences related to alcohol consumption. Clinical findings include elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), evidence of withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and anxiety, and self-reported cravings and difficulty controlling alcohol intake. The patient acknowledges a persistent desire to cut down or stop drinking but reports unsuccessful attempts. Diagnostic criteria for AUD, per the DSM-5, are met based on the patient's reported and observed symptoms. The patient's alcohol use is impacting their social and occupational functioning. Differential diagnoses considered included other substance use disorders and mood disorders. Treatment recommendations include referral to addiction medicine, initiation of psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing, and consideration of pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence management. Patient education regarding the health risks of alcohol, relapse prevention strategies, and community support resources was provided. Follow-up appointments were scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. ICD-10 code F10.20 will be used for billing purposes.