ICD Code F33.1

ICD code F33.1 is used to identify a diagnosis of major depressive disorder that is recurrent and of moderate severity. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which is used by healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures. The "recurrent" aspect indicates that the patient has experienced multiple episodes of depression, while "moderate" refers to the intensity of the depressive symptoms, which are more severe than mild but not as debilitating as severe depression. This code helps in the accurate documentation and billing of healthcare services related to the treatment of this mental health condition.

1. Recurrent Episodes: The patient must have experienced more than one episode of major depressive disorder. These episodes are characterized by periods of depression that are separated by at least two months during which the individual does not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode.

2. Moderate Severity: The symptoms must be of moderate intensity. This means that the depressive episodes are more severe than mild depression but not as severe as major depressive disorder with severe symptoms. The symptoms should cause noticeable difficulty in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

3. Depressed Mood: The patient should exhibit a persistent depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful).

4. Loss of Interest or Pleasure: There should be a marked diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.

5. Significant Weight Change or Appetite Disturbance: The patient may experience significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

6. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day should be present.

7. Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: Observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down.

8. Fatigue or Loss of Energy: The patient should report feeling fatigued or experiencing a loss of energy nearly every day.

9. Feelings of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt: There should be feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.

10. Diminished Ability to Think or Concentrate: The patient may experience a diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.

11. Recurrent Thoughts of Death: There may be recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

These criteria should be used to determine the appropriateness of using the ICD code for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate.

For the ICD code F33.1, which pertains to major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. 90832 - Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient

2. 90834 - Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient

3. 90837 - Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient

4. 90839 - Psychotherapy for crisis; first 60 minutes

5. 90840 - Psychotherapy for crisis; each additional 30 minutes

6. 90846 - Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes

7. 90847 - Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present), 50 minutes

8. 99201-99215 - Evaluation and management services, which may be used if the treatment involves medication management or other medical services

9. 96127 - Brief emotional/behavioral assessment (e.g., depression inventory) with scoring and documentation, per standardized instrument

These CPT codes are commonly used in the treatment of conditions associated with ICD code F33.1 and may vary based on the specific services provided and the healthcare provider's scope of practice. Always ensure that the selected CPT codes accurately reflect the services rendered and are supported by appropriate documentation.

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