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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesMajor Depression Recurrent Moderate

Major Depression Recurrent Moderate

ICD-10 Coding for Major Depression Recurrent Moderate(F33.1)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Major Depression Recurrent Moderate?
Essential facts and insights about Major Depression Recurrent Moderate

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
  • Significant weight loss or gain, or decrease/increase in appetite
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including duration and severity of symptoms
  • Assessment of functional impairment
  • Use of standardized rating scales (e.g., PHQ-9)
  • Specific terminology such as 'recurrent' and 'moderate'
  • Examples of treatment plans and response to therapy

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for differentiating between recurrent and single episodes.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the severity or failing to document recurrence.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Bipolar disorder (F31)
  • Adjustment disorder with depressed mood (F43.21)
  • Substance-induced mood disorder (F11.3)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
F33.1
Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Ancillary Codes
Z63.5
Differential Codes
F33.0
F33.0
for mild symptoms with minimal functional impairment.
F33.2
F33.2
for severe symptoms with significant functional impairment.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Psychiatry

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and adolescents with a history of major depression
  • Outpatient psychiatric settings and inpatient facilities

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 on daily functioning.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and recurrence for appropriate reimbursement.