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F33.9
ICD-10-CM
Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent

Find information on Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10-CM code F33.x, diagnostic criteria, and treatment guidelines. This resource provides support for healthcare professionals in accurately diagnosing and coding recurrent major depression, covering symptom assessment, differential diagnosis, and best practices for patient care. Learn about severity specifiers, remission status, and evidence-based interventions for managing recurring depressive episodes.

Also known as

Recurrent Major Depression
MDD Recurrent

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest, occurring in multiple episodes.
  • Clinical Signs : Depressed mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, outpatient psychiatry, inpatient hospitalization (severe cases).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC F33.9 Coding
F33.0-F33.9

Major depressive disorder, recurrent

Covers various recurrent major depressive episodes.

F32.0-F32.9

Major depressive disorder, single episode

Relates to single episodes, helpful for distinguishing from recurrent.

F41.2

Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

Relevant if anxiety is also a significant component.

Z63.0

Problems related to life-management difficulty

May be relevant for coding psychosocial stressors contributing to depression.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the diagnosis Major Depressive Disorder?

  • Yes

    Is it a recurrent episode?

  • No

    Do not code as F33. Review diagnostic criteria.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Major depression, multiple episodes
Single Major Depressive Episode
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Diagnosis Documentation Checklist
  • ICD-10 F33.x, DSM-5 296.3x: Clinical Documentation Requirements
  • Document 5+ depressive symptoms, 2+ weeks duration
  • Impaired function: social, occupational, or other
  • Rule out medical/substance-induced causes
  • Previous major depressive episode documented
  • Symptom severity and specifiers (e.g., partial/full remission)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Episode

    Coding MDD recurrent requires specifying if current episode is single or recurrent, impacting severity and reimbursement.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Insufficient documentation to support MDD recurrent diagnosis can lead to coding errors and compliance issues.

  • Comorbidity Coding

    Failing to code coexisting anxiety or other conditions with MDD can impact quality reporting and resource allocation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 F33.x coding for MDD recurrence tracking.
  • Thorough CDI of depressive episodes, symptoms, and severity.
  • Document treatment response, medication changes for compliance.
  • Standardized assessments (PHQ-9) for objective MDD diagnosis.
  • Regular follow-up scheduling crucial for recurrent MDD management.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day?
  • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure?
  • Significant weight change or appetite disturbance?
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day?
  • Previous Major Depressive Episode documented?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (F33.x) and proper documentation for optimal payer reimbursements.
  • Quality metrics like PHQ-9 scores impact MDD recurrent episode tracking, influencing hospital readmission rates and value-based payments.
  • Coding accuracy for MDD with psychotic features or melancholic features (F33.2, F33.1) directly impacts reimbursement and severity reflection.
  • Hospital reporting of MDD recurrent cases affects quality performance scores tied to patient outcomes and resource utilization.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document recurrence clearly
  • F33.x for recurrent MDD
  • Specify episode severity
  • Rule out other conditions
  • Consider psychosocial stressors

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with recurrent major depressive disorder, fulfilling DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode.  Symptoms include persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, significant weight loss unintentional, insomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished concentration, and recurrent thoughts of death, though no active suicidal ideation or plan was reported during this session.  The patient reports this is their third major depressive episode, with the first occurring approximately five years ago and the second two years ago.  Previous episodes were treated with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, with partial remission achieved.  Current symptoms have been present for the past six weeks and are impacting the patient's occupational and social functioning.  Assessment includes review of symptoms, psychosocial stressors, and medical history.  Differential diagnoses considered include bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and medical conditions that can mimic depression.  Initial treatment plan includes initiation of sertraline 50mg daily, with titration as tolerated, and referral to psychotherapy for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  Patient education provided regarding medication side effects, management of depressive symptoms, and importance of medication adherence.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to assess treatment response and adjust medication as needed.  Diagnosis codes: F33.2 (Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, current episode moderate) and Z63.0 (Problems related to life management difficulty).  Medical billing codes will reflect evaluation and management services provided, pharmacotherapy management, and mental health diagnostic interview.  Keywords: major depressive disorder, recurrent depression, MDD, DSM-5 criteria, depression symptoms, anhedonia, insomnia, fatigue, worthlessness, suicidal ideation, antidepressant medication, sertraline, CBT, psychotherapy, mental health treatment, psychiatric evaluation, diagnostic codes, medical billing, ICD-10, CPT codes, EHR documentation, clinical notes.