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R45.86
ICD-10-CM
Mood Swing

Understanding mood swings? Find information on mood swing diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Learn about labile affect, emotional lability, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and other related conditions. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on documenting mood instability, rapid cycling, and affective instability in patient charts. Discover relevant ICD-10 codes, diagnostic criteria, and best practices for accurate medical coding related to mood swings and affective disorders.

Also known as

Mood Swings
Emotional Lability

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Significant variations in mood, from highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression).
  • Clinical Signs : Irritability, euphoria, sadness, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or activity levels.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, primary care, mental health specialists, telehealth platforms.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R45.86 Coding
F30-F39

Mood [Affective] Disorders

Covers various mood disturbances including manic, depressive, and bipolar episodes.

F60-F69

Personality Disorders

Includes conditions with persistent patterns of inner experience and behavior affecting mood stability.

R45-R46

Symptoms and Signs Involving Emotional State

Encompasses symptoms like irritability, nervousness, and other emotional changes.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the mood swing due to a medical condition?

  • Yes

    Specific medical condition documented?

  • No

    Is it part of a mental disorder?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Significant mood swings.
Bipolar I Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document distinct periods of elevated mood and depressed mood.
  • Specify duration and frequency of mood swings.
  • Note impact on daily life (social, occupational).
  • Rule out medical/substance-induced causes.
  • Record symptom details (e.g., irritability, sleep changes).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Mood Swing Code

    Using unspecified codes like R45.89 (Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state) when a more specific diagnosis is available leads to inaccurate data and lost revenue.

  • Miscoded Bipolar Disorder

    Mood swings can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. Miscoding mood swings as bipolar disorder without proper documentation can lead to overcoding and compliance issues.

  • Lacking Clinical Documentation

    Insufficient documentation specifying the nature, severity, and duration of mood swings makes accurate coding difficult, increasing audit risks and affecting reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 F34.0, R45.86 CDI: Document triggers, duration, severity.
  • DSM-5, assess for bipolar, cyclothymia. Compliance: differential diagnosis.
  • Track mood daily, identify patterns. Optimize medication management.
  • Therapy, stress reduction techniques. Patient education: coping skills.
  • Lifestyle changes: sleep, diet, exercise. Monitor medication adherence.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Screen for bipolar, cyclothymia, borderline personality (ICD-10 F31, F34, F60.3)
  • Document symptom duration, frequency, severity for accurate coding (DSM-5)
  • Assess for substance use, medical conditions mimicking mood swings (patient safety)
  • Consider premenstrual dysphoric disorder if applicable (ICD-10 N8A.11)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Mood Swing Diagnosis Reimbursement: Accurate coding (ICD-10 F34.x, R45.86) impacts physician reimbursement.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Misdiagnosis or unspecified codes (e.g., R45.2) lead to claim denials, impacting revenue cycle.
  • Hospital Reporting Metrics: Precise mood disorder coding affects quality metrics, influencing hospital reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics and Value-Based Care: Accurate diagnosis and coding improve data for value-based care programs.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code F34.0 for cyclothymic disorder
  • Document specific mood swing details
  • Rule out bipolar, code if present
  • Consider underlying medical causes
  • Document duration, frequency, severity

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with labile mood characterized by significant mood swings, fluctuating between periods of elevated mood (euphoria, hypomania) and depressed mood (dysthymia, low mood).  These mood shifts are not sufficiently severe or prolonged to meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or Persistent Depressive Disorder.  Onset of mood swings is noted to be (recent onset, gradual onset, insidious onset) and frequency is described as (daily, weekly, episodic).  Symptoms impacting daily functioning include (e.g., irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, fatigue, changes in appetite, emotional lability).  Patient denies suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation.  Differential diagnoses considered include cyclothymia, borderline personality disorder, substance-induced mood disorder, and medical conditions impacting mood regulation.  Assessment includes screening for contributing factors such as stress, hormonal changes, medications, and comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions.  Current medications are documented.  Treatment plan includes (e.g., psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, counseling, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene education).  Patient education provided on mood tracking, symptom management, and coping strategies.  Follow-up scheduled to monitor symptom progression and treatment efficacy.  ICD-10 code R45.86 (Other specified symptoms and signs involving emotional state) is considered, with further assessment needed to confirm diagnosis. Medical billing codes for evaluation and management services will be determined based on the complexity of the visit and time spent with the patient.  Referral to psychiatry may be indicated if symptoms persist or worsen.
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