Find information on Major Depression Recurrent Severe including diagnostic criteria, clinical documentation tips, and medical coding guidelines for ICD-10-CM code F33.2. Learn about effective treatment options, differential diagnosis considerations, and best practices for healthcare professionals managing patients with recurrent severe depression. Explore resources for accurate medical coding and comprehensive clinical documentation to support appropriate reimbursement and patient care.
Also known as
Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe
Recurring major depression with significant impact on daily life.
Major depressive disorder, single episode
A single, distinct period of major depression, though may be severe.
Major depressive disorder, recurrent in partial remission
Recurring major depression with some symptom improvement between episodes.
Other recurrent depressive disorders
Recurring depressive disorders not otherwise specified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the patient experiencing a major depressive episode?
Yes
Is it a recurrent episode?
No
Consider other diagnoses. Do not code as Major Depressive Disorder.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Major Depression, Recurrent, Severe |
| Major Depression, Single Episode, Severe |
| Major Depression, Recurrent, Moderate |
Coding F33.2 without documented severity level (mild, moderate, severe) can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and compliance issues.
Lack of detailed symptom documentation, history, and functional impairment may cause coding errors and audit denials for Major Depression Recurrent Severe diagnosis.
Coding recurrent major depression (F33.2) without evidence of a prior major depressive episode can lead to inaccurate reporting and potential fraud.
Patient presents with a recurrent major depressive episode, meeting DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe. The patient reports persistent and pervasive depressed mood, anhedonia, significant weight loss without dieting, insomnia with difficulty falling asleep and early morning awakenings, marked fatigue and low energy, feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt, diminished concentration, and recurrent thoughts of death, though no specific suicidal plan or intent was reported during this session. Symptoms have been present for the past six weeks and represent a significant worsening from her baseline. The patient has a history of two prior major depressive episodes, the most recent occurring approximately two years ago. She reports previous treatment with Sertraline, which provided some relief, but she discontinued it due to adverse effects. Current symptoms are impacting her occupational and social functioning, causing difficulties at work and strained relationships with family members. Assessment indicates significant functional impairment. Diagnosis of Major Depression, Recurrent, Severe is supported by clinical interview, patient self-report, and symptom severity. Differential diagnoses considered include but are not limited to bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and medical conditions that can mimic depression. These were ruled out based on patient history, symptom presentation, and clinical judgment. Treatment plan includes initiating pharmacotherapy with Fluoxetine, starting at 10mg daily and titrating as tolerated. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also recommended to address negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms. Patient education provided regarding medication management, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence. The patient will be closely monitored for treatment response and suicidality. Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to assess symptom improvement and medication tolerability. Medical billing codes will reflect the diagnosis and treatment provided. This documentation is for clinical purposes and supports medical necessity.