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F33.1
ICD-10-CM
Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate

Find information on Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate, including clinical documentation, diagnostic criteria, and medical coding (ICD-10 F33.1). Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and healthcare resources for recurrent moderate depression. This resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on MDD recurrent moderate episodes. Explore resources for diagnosis, management, and support related to recurrent major depression.

Also known as

MDD Recurrent Moderate
Recurrent Moderate Depression

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Recurring episodes of depressed mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms affecting daily life.
  • Clinical Signs : Sadness, fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, telehealth platforms.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC F33.1 Coding
F33.1

Major depressive disorder, recurrent

Covers recurrent episodes of moderate major depression.

F32

Major depressive disorder, single episode

Includes single episodes of depression, mild to severe.

F31

Bipolar affective disorder

Encompasses both manic and depressive episodes.

F41

Anxiety disorders

Includes various anxiety and related disorders, often comorbid with 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 recurrent?

  • No

    Do not code as Major Depressive Disorder. Review diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Major Depression, recurrent, moderate
Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10 F33.1: Clinical findings supporting MDD recurrence
  • DSM-5 criteria: Depressed mood, anhedonia, duration, severity
  • Document impact on functioning: Social, occupational impairment
  • Medical coding: F33.1 justification, symptom assessment

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Episode

    Coding MDD recurrent moderate without specifying current episode state (partial/full remission, mild/moderate/severe) leads to inaccurate severity reflection and reimbursement.

  • Comorbidity Overlap

    Anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders often coexist. Incomplete documentation of these may lead to undercoding and missed CC/MCC capture.

  • Symptom Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of core MDD symptoms (anhedonia, depressed mood, sleep changes) can lead to coding denials and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document F33.1 accurately for MDD Recurrent Moderate coding compliance.
  • Thorough history, MSE for CDI of MDD recurrence & severity.
  • Assess functional impairment for accurate MDD diagnosis (ICD-10-CM).
  • Screen for suicidality, document plan for patient safety & compliance.
  • Collaborate for integrated care, optimize MDD treatment outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify DSM-5 criteria for MDD recurrence: depressed mood, anhedonia
  • Confirm moderate impairment: social, occupational, other functioning
  • Document symptom duration: at least 2 weeks, most of the day
  • Rule out medical causes: thyroid, medications, substance use
  • Assess suicide risk: ideation, plan, intent documentation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM: F33.1 Medical Billing Coding Accuracy Hospital Reporting
  • DSM-5 296.32 Payer Reimbursement Value-Based Care HCC Risk Adjustment
  • Impact: Higher CMI scores, increased reimbursement potential.
  • Impact: Accurate coding impacts quality reporting and depression care metrics.
  • Impact: Affects patient outcomes tracking, hospital performance benchmarks.

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
  • Code F33.1 for recurrent moderate MDD
  • Document symptom duration/frequency
  • Confirm impairment criteria are met
  • Validate DSM-5 criteria in notes
  • Assess and code comorbidities

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate (DSM-5 296.33).  The patient reports experiencing a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, for the past several weeks, marking a recurrence of previous major depressive episodes.  Symptoms endorsed include significant weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death, although no specific suicidal plan or intent was articulated.  These symptoms are causing clinically significant distress and impairment in social and occupational functioning.  The patient's medical history includes previous episodes of major depression, successfully treated with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.  Current medications include (list current medications).  Physical examination reveals no significant abnormalities.  Mental status examination reveals a patient appearing sad and tearful, with psychomotor retardation.  Affect is constricted and mood is depressed.  Thought content is preoccupied with themes of hopelessness and self-deprecation.  Insight and judgment appear intact.  Differential diagnoses considered include dysthymia, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and medical conditions that can mimic depression, but the patient's symptom presentation and history are most consistent with Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Moderate.  Treatment plan includes initiating pharmacotherapy with (medication name and dosage) and a referral for individual psychotherapy focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for depression management.  Patient education regarding medication side effects, symptom management strategies, and the importance of medication adherence was provided.  A follow-up appointment is scheduled in two weeks to assess treatment response and adjust the plan as needed.  Prognosis is generally favorable with consistent treatment adherence and ongoing support.  Medical billing codes considered include 296.33 for the principal diagnosis and relevant codes for psychotherapy and medication management.  Keywords: major depressive disorder, recurrent depression, moderate depression, DSM-5 296.33, depression treatment, CBT, psychotherapy, antidepressants, mental health, clinical documentation, medical billing, ICD-10, EHR, patient care, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment plan, prognosis, medication management.
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