ICD-10 Guide

R45.82

Worries

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R45.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of worries.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R45.82 refers to the symptom of excessive worrying, which can manifest as a persistent state of anxiety or concern about various aspects of life, including health, finances, relationships, and future events. This symptom is often associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but can also occur in the context of other mental health conditions or situational stressors. Patients may report difficulty concentrating, restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbances as a result of their worries. Clinically, it is important to assess the duration, intensity, and impact of these worries on daily functioning. The symptom may not be classified under other specific mental health diagnoses, making R45.82 a useful code for capturing this common yet significant clinical presentation. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the context of the worries, including any precipitating factors, to ensure accurate coding and appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Subjectivity of symptoms can lead to variability in documentation.
Overlap with other anxiety-related diagnoses complicates coding.
Need for thorough clinical context to justify the use of this code.
Potential for misinterpretation of the severity of symptoms.

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of the clinical context of worries.
Failure to differentiate from other anxiety disorders.
Lack of evidence for the duration and impact of symptoms.
Use of the code without a clear treatment plan.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include a detailed history of the patient's worries, associated symptoms, and any relevant psychosocial factors.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic stress related to health concerns or life changes.

Billing Considerations

Consider comorbid conditions such as depression or chronic illness that may exacerbate worries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should capture the immediate context of the worries, including any precipitating events.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute anxiety attacks or panic episodes triggered by situational stress.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment of risk factors for self-harm or suicidal ideation is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R45.82 When

According to ICD
10 coding guidelines, R45
82 should be used when the symptom of worries is significant enough to warrant clinical attention but does not meet the criteria for a specific anxiety disorder
Documentation must support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R45.82 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents for management of worries and associated symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should focus on psychosocial factors affecting the patient's health.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like worries, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and treatment needs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like worries, improving the ability to capture the nuances of patient presentations and treatment needs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on daily life, and any treatment provided. Providers should ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the visit.

Resources

Clinical References

•
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

•
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R45.82?

Use R45.82 when a patient presents with significant worries that do not meet the criteria for a specific anxiety disorder but still require clinical attention.

ICD-10 R45.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of worries.