Understanding Claustrophobia (ICD-10 F40.2): This resource provides information on the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical documentation of claustrophobia, the fear of confined spaces or enclosed space phobia. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies. Explore healthcare coding specifics for accurate medical billing and insurance claims related to claustrophobia.
Also known as
Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders
Covers a range of emotional and bodily distress disorders, including phobias.
Agoraphobia
While distinct, agoraphobia can sometimes overlap with claustrophobia.
Social anxiety disorder
In some cases, claustrophobia may be linked to social anxiety.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diagnosis specifically claustrophobia?
Yes
Is it due to a medical condition?
No
Do NOT code F40.248. Review documentation for alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Fear of enclosed spaces. |
| Fear of specific situations. |
| Generalized anxiety disorder. |
Risk of coding to a generalized phobia (e.g., F40.9) instead of the specific claustrophobia code (F40.2).
Insufficient clinical documentation to support the diagnosis of claustrophobia, impacting accurate code assignment and reimbursement.
Failure to capture and code coexisting conditions like panic disorder or agoraphobia, often associated with claustrophobia.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based treatment options for claustrophobia in adults presenting in a clinical setting?
A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are considered the most effective evidence-based treatments for claustrophobia in adults. CBT helps patients identify and modify negative thought patterns and beliefs related to confined spaces. Exposure therapy, specifically graded exposure, involves gradually exposing the patient to increasingly challenging enclosed spaces while utilizing relaxation techniques. Systematic desensitization, a specific type of exposure therapy, pairs relaxation with imagined exposure before moving to in-vivo exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is also gaining traction as a viable option. Explore how incorporating mindfulness-based techniques can further enhance treatment outcomes and consider implementing a combination of these approaches for optimal results. Learn more about tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs and comorbidities.
Q: How can I differentiate claustrophobia from other anxiety disorders like panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder during a diagnostic assessment?
A: While claustrophobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder share some overlapping symptoms like fear and anxiety, key distinctions lie in the specific triggers and the nature of the fear response. Claustrophobia is specifically triggered by real or anticipated confinement, whereas panic disorder can manifest with unexpected panic attacks regardless of the environment. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about various issues, not solely confined spaces. During assessment, detailed exploration of the patient's symptoms, triggers, and avoidance behaviors is crucial. Specifically, inquire about the presence of physiological symptoms (e.g., rapid heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath) exclusively in confined environments. Explore the use of standardized questionnaires and clinical interviews designed to differentiate anxiety disorders and consider implementing a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes ruling out medical conditions which might mimic anxiety symptoms. Learn more about the diagnostic criteria for each disorder according to the DSM-5.
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with claustrophobia (ICD-10-CM F40.248, fear of confined spaces, enclosed space phobia). The patient reports experiencing significant anxiety and distress in enclosed or crowded spaces, such as elevators, airplanes, small rooms, and MRI machines. Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. The patient acknowledges avoidance behaviors related to these situations, impacting their daily life and social activities. Onset of symptoms is reported as [Insert onset timeframe - e.g., gradual over several years, sudden following a specific event]. The patient denies any history of panic disorder or agoraphobia, but a family history of anxiety disorders was noted. Differential diagnoses considered include panic disorder and specific phobia related to other stimuli. Based on the patient's reported symptoms, history, and clinical presentation, a diagnosis of claustrophobia is made. Treatment plan includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focusing on exposure therapy techniques and relaxation strategies. Patient education regarding anxiety management was provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to assess treatment response and adjust the plan as needed. Referral to a psychiatrist for medication management will be considered if symptoms do not improve with CBT. Medical necessity for this treatment is established based on the functional impairment caused by the patient's phobia. Coding for claustrophobia includes the use of F40.248 for billing and claims processing.