Find comprehensive information on documenting a history of drug abuse in healthcare settings. This guide covers clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines for substance use disorders, DSM-5 criteria, ICD-10 codes for drug dependence and abuse, and best practices for accurate and ethical patient care. Learn about screening tools, assessment methods, and appropriate terminology for recording substance abuse history in medical records, supporting effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Also known as
Mental, Behavioral Disorders due to Psychoactive Substance Use
Covers various substance use disorders, including abuse and dependence.
Problems related to lifestyle
Includes problems related to lifestyle such as past history of drug abuse.
Personal history of psychoactive substance abuse
Specifically designates a past history of psychoactive substance abuse, not current use.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the drug abuse currently active?
Yes
Do NOT code as history of drug abuse. Code the active abuse (e.g., F11.10, F12.10).
No
Is the specific drug known?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Recurrent drug use despite negative consequences. |
Severe substance use disorder with physiological dependence. |
Substance-induced mental disorder. |
Patient presents with a history of substance use disorder, consistent with a diagnosis of history of drug abuse (F19.20). The patient reports past problematic use of [Specific drug or drug class, e.g., opioids, stimulants, cannabis], meeting criteria for dependence as evidenced by [Specific DSM-5 criteria, e.g., tolerance, withdrawal, continued use despite negative consequences]. Onset of use was reported at age [age]. The patient describes [Frequency, duration, and route of administration, e.g., daily intravenous heroin use for five years]. The patient reports [Specific consequences of drug abuse, e.g., legal problems, relationship difficulties, job loss, overdose history]. Past treatment history includes [Details of prior treatment episodes, e.g., inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment]. Current symptoms related to past drug abuse include [Current symptoms, e.g., cravings, anxiety, insomnia]. Physical examination reveals [Relevant physical findings, e.g., track marks, evidence of malnutrition, abnormal liver function tests]. Assessment includes consideration of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as [Differential diagnoses, e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD]. The patient is motivated for [Level of motivation for treatment, e.g., abstinence, harm reduction]. The treatment plan includes [Specific interventions, e.g., referral to addiction specialist, individual therapy, support groups, pharmacotherapy options like naltrexone or buprenorphine]. Patient education provided regarding relapse prevention strategies and community resources. Prognosis is guarded given the chronic nature of addiction. Follow-up scheduled in [Timeframe, e.g., one week] to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. ICD-10 code F19.20 and relevant CPT codes for evaluation and management will be documented for billing purposes.