Forum - Questions & Answers

Jul 11th, 2015 - KimS 4 

ICD-10 code for alcohol dependence

What ICD-10-CM code would you use for "alcohol dependence"? The dependence is all that is documented in the medical record.

3M encoder logic now has the choice of "uncomplicated" and "unspecified" when coding dependence on alcohol. If you chose "unspecified" you get code F10.259, alcohol dependence with alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, unspecified. l

If you follow the index, you are lead to F10.20, alcohol dependence, uncomplicated.

We are being told to use the unspecified code F10.259. I disagree with this code because it includes a psychotic disorder which is not documented in the medical record, but the trainer's logic is that "uncomplicated" is not documented so you have to use the unspecified code.

Which coding path is correct for alcohol dependence?







Jul 13th, 2015 - LBAROGIANIS 250 

re: ICD-10 code for alcohol dependence

I would go with F10.20. The other one implies they had a patient had an unspecified alcohol-induced psychotic disorder. Was there any documentation that you should use F10.259?



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