Find comprehensive information on Substance Use Disorder diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10, DSM-5), and healthcare resources for SUD treatment. Learn about screening tools, diagnostic criteria, and best practices for accurate substance abuse documentation and coding in a clinical setting. Explore resources for healthcare professionals related to opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substance-related disorders.
Also known as
Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use
Covers various substance abuse disorders, including alcohol, opioids, cannabis, etc.
Problem related to lifestyle
Specifically indicates a problem with the use of alcohol.
Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances
Relates to acute intoxication or overdose from various substances.
Problems related to employment and unemployment
May be used if substance abuse is causing problems with work.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is substance use causing clinically significant impairment or distress?
Yes
Is it mild, moderate, or severe?
No
Do NOT code as Substance Use Disorder. Consider other diagnoses.
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Problematic substance use leading to impairment. |
Harmful use without dependence. |
Substance intoxication from recent use. |
Coding SUD without specific substance or severity impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. Use F1x.2x when applicable for specific substance.
Failing to document early, sustained, or in remission status leads to inaccurate severity reflection and potential compliance issues.
Incorrectly coding unrelated conditions as causally linked to SUD can trigger audits and denials. Proper documentation is crucial.
Patient presents today with concerns regarding substance use, meeting criteria for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The patient reports a history of [Specific Substance, e.g., alcohol, opioid, stimulant] use, escalating in frequency and quantity over the past [Timeframe, e.g., six months, two years]. Symptoms include [Specific DSM-5 Criteria, e.g., craving, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, continued use despite negative consequences]. The patient acknowledges impairment in social, occupational, or recreational functioning due to substance use. A detailed substance use history was obtained, including route of administration, frequency, quantity, and duration. Family history is positive for [Specific Substance Use Disorder if applicable]. Physical examination revealed [Relevant physical findings, e.g., elevated blood pressure, track marks]. Mental status examination indicates [Patient's mental state, e.g., anxious, depressed, agitated]. Differential diagnoses considered include [Other potential diagnoses, e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder]. Assessment suggests a diagnosis of [Severity of SUD, e.g., mild, moderate, severe] Substance Use Disorder, [Specific Substance, e.g., alcohol, opioid, stimulant] type, based on DSM-5 criteria. The patient was educated on the risks and consequences of continued substance use and treatment options were discussed, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and referral to a higher level of care if necessary. The patient expressed willingness to engage in treatment. A treatment plan was initiated, focusing on abstinence, relapse prevention, and developing coping mechanisms. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Timeframe, e.g., one week, two weeks] to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., F10.20] is assigned. Medical billing codes for evaluation and management (E/M) services will be determined based on time spent and complexity of medical decision making.