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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF31.61

F31.61

Billable

Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, mild

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 F31.61 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, mild.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The current episode mixed, mild indicates that the patient is experiencing symptoms of both mania and depression simultaneously, but the severity of these symptoms is classified as mild. This can manifest as irritability, racing thoughts, and decreased need for sleep, alongside feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of energy. The mixed episode can complicate treatment, as patients may not respond to typical mood stabilizers as expected. It is crucial for healthcare providers to conduct thorough assessments, including evaluating the patient's history of mood episodes, current symptoms, and any potential triggers. Additionally, monitoring for suicide risk is essential, as individuals with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior, particularly during mixed episodes. Effective management often requires a combination of pharmacological interventions, such as mood stabilizers and psychotherapy, tailored to the individual's needs.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between mixed episodes and other mood disorders
  • Assessing severity levels accurately
  • Understanding the nuances of bipolar disorder classifications
  • Documenting the presence of both manic and depressive symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptom severity
  • Failure to assess and document suicide risk
  • Misclassification of episode type
  • Lack of comprehensive treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, symptom assessment, treatment plans, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial diagnosis of bipolar disorder, management of mixed episodes, and treatment adjustments.

Billing Considerations

Psychiatrists must ensure thorough documentation of both manic and depressive symptoms to justify the use of F31.61.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive mental health assessments, medication management records, and referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screenings for mood disorders, management of medications, and referrals for psychiatric evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Primary care providers should be vigilant in assessing for suicide risk and documenting any changes in mood or behavior.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F31.61 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, F31
  • 61 should be used when a patient presents with a current episode of mixed symptoms that are mild in severity
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the presence of both manic and depressive symptoms, along with their impact on functioning

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F31.61 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

90834CPT Code

Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient

Clinical Scenario

Used during therapy sessions for patients diagnosed with F31.61.

Documentation Requirements

Session notes must detail the patient's mood symptoms and treatment progress.

Specialty Considerations

Psychiatrists should document the therapeutic approach and any changes in the patient's condition.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of bipolar disorder, including the differentiation of mixed episodes. This specificity aids in better treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of bipolar disorder, including the differentiation of mixed episodes. This specificity aids in better treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of bipolar disorder, including the differentiation of mixed episodes. This specificity aids in better treatment planning and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Institute of Mental Health

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Institute of Mental Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key symptoms of a mixed episode in bipolar disorder?

Key symptoms include simultaneous feelings of mania (such as high energy, racing thoughts) and depression (such as sadness, hopelessness). This combination can lead to significant functional impairment and increased risk for suicide.