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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesSeparation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder

ICD-10 Coding for Separation Anxiety Disorder(F93.0)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Essential facts and insights about Separation Anxiety Disorder

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or attachment figures
  • Persistent worry about losing major attachment figures or possible harm to them
  • Persistent reluctance or refusal to go out, away from home, to school, or elsewhere due to fear of separation
  • Nightmares involving the theme of separation
  • Physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) when separation occurs or is anticipated

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Assessment of impact on daily functioning and development
  • Use of standardized assessment tools (e.g., anxiety scales)
  • Specific coding terminology such as 'Separation Anxiety Disorder' or 'SAD'
  • Documentation examples: 'Patient exhibits excessive anxiety regarding separation from parents, impacting school attendance.'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use primary code for Separation Anxiety Disorder when symptoms are present for at least 6 months.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying as generalized anxiety disorder or failing to document duration.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excluded conditions: Specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Alternative codes: Consider 313.22 for other anxiety disorders if applicable.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
313.23
Separation Anxiety Disorder of Childhood
Ancillary Codes
F43.22
Differential Codes
F41.1
F41.1
if anxiety is not primarily related to separation.
F40.1
F40.1
if anxiety is related to social situations rather than separation.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Pediatrics

Specialty Applications

  • Patient populations: Primarily children and adolescents aged 6-18.
  • Clinical settings: Pediatric clinics, mental health facilities, school counseling services.

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

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 are the documentation requirements?

Document the duration, severity, and impact of symptoms on functioning.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the diagnosis and any co-occurring conditions.