ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAlcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol Withdrawal

ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Withdrawal(F10.231, F10.239)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYEmergency Medicine
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Withdrawal

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, and seizures following cessation or reduction of alcohol intake.
  • Laboratory findings may include elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT), electrolyte imbalances, and signs of dehydration.
  • Physical examination findings may include diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, and altered mental status.
  • Imaging findings are typically not applicable; however, CT or MRI may be used to rule out other causes of altered mental status.
  • Severity criteria include the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) scale, which assesses the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document the patient's history of alcohol use, including quantity, frequency, and duration.
  • Specific terminology such as 'alcohol withdrawal syndrome' or 'alcohol withdrawal delirium' must be documented.
  • Examples include: 'Patient presents with symptoms consistent with alcohol withdrawal as evidenced by CIWA-Ar score of 15.'
  • Medical necessity documentation should include the need for monitoring and treatment of withdrawal symptoms.
  • Quality measures may include documentation of CIWA-Ar scores and interventions initiated based on severity.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use F10.231 for alcohol withdrawal with delirium and F10.239 for alcohol withdrawal without delirium.
  • Do not use these codes for patients with alcohol use disorder who are not experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Related codes include F10.20 (Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated) and F10.21 (Alcohol dependence, in remission).
  • Common errors include misclassifying alcohol withdrawal as alcohol dependence; ensure symptoms are present.
  • In complex cases, consider the patient's history and current symptoms to select the most appropriate code.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes conditions such as alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (F10.15) and alcohol-induced mood disorder (F10.14).
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include F10.20 for uncomplicated alcohol dependence.
  • Conditions are excluded to ensure accurate representation of withdrawal symptoms versus other alcohol-related disorders.
  • Common mistakes include using withdrawal codes for patients with alcohol use disorder without withdrawal symptoms.
  • Related but distinct conditions include substance use disorders for other substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines).

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
F10.231
Alcohol withdrawal delirium
F10.239
Alcohol withdrawal, unspecified
Ancillary Codes
R56.8
Differential Codes
F10.131
F10.130

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Applies to individuals with a history of alcohol use who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Patient populations include adults of all genders, particularly those with a history of heavy alcohol use.
  • Clinical settings include emergency departments, inpatient detoxification units, and outpatient treatment facilities.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in addiction medicine and psychiatry.
  • Treatment contexts include acute management of withdrawal symptoms and long-term rehabilitation planning.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with alcohol withdrawal based on clinical findings including tremors and anxiety.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with alcohol withdrawal including sweating and elevated heart rate.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for alcohol withdrawal met as evidenced by CIWA-Ar score of 18.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for alcohol withdrawal with benzodiazepines and supportive care.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for alcohol withdrawal including monitoring for potential complications.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Document the patient's alcohol use history, withdrawal symptoms, and CIWA-Ar scores.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Alcohol withdrawal is characterized by specific symptoms following cessation, unlike alcohol dependence which may not involve withdrawal.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure documentation supports medical necessity for treatment and monitoring of withdrawal symptoms.

What procedures are typically associated?

Related CPT codes may include those for CIWA-Ar assessments and administration of medications for withdrawal.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include tracking CIWA-Ar scores and interventions for alcohol withdrawal management.