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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF11.9

F11.9

Billable

Opioid use, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F11.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of opioid use, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

F11.9 refers to unspecified opioid use, which encompasses a range of conditions related to the consumption of opioids without specifying the nature of the use, whether it is recreational, therapeutic, or related to dependence. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is characterized by a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to significant impairment or distress, manifesting in various ways such as cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences. Patients may present with signs of intoxication, withdrawal, or complications related to opioid use. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or methadone, counseling, and behavioral therapies. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the opioid epidemic's impact on public health. The unspecified nature of this code necessitates careful documentation to clarify the patient's specific situation and treatment needs.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in patient presentation and severity of opioid use disorder.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to specify the nature of opioid use.
  • Potential overlap with other substance use disorders, complicating diagnosis.
  • Variations in treatment protocols based on individual patient needs.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the patient's opioid use history.
  • Failure to specify the type of opioid used.
  • Lack of evidence for treatment plans or interventions.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Addiction Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of substance use, treatment history, and current treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with withdrawal symptoms, overdose, or seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the severity of the disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including mental status examination and risk assessment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with co-occurring mental health disorders and opioid use issues.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of dual diagnosis and the impact of opioid use on mental health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F11.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, F11
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of opioid use is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient's treatment plan
  • It is crucial to differentiate between opioid use, dependence, and withdrawal

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F11.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

H0020CPT Code

Behavioral health counseling

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with F11.9 for patients receiving counseling for opioid use.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of counseling and its relation to opioid use.

Specialty Considerations

Addiction specialists should ensure that the treatment plan aligns with the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of opioid-related disorders, improving the ability to track and manage opioid use disorders. F11.9 provides a broad category for unspecified opioid use, which can help in identifying trends and needs in treatment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of opioid-related disorders, improving the ability to track and manage opioid use disorders. F11.9 provides a broad category for unspecified opioid use, which can help in identifying trends and needs in treatment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of opioid-related disorders, improving the ability to track and manage opioid use disorders. F11.9 provides a broad category for unspecified opioid use, which can help in identifying trends and needs in treatment.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does F11.9 represent?

F11.9 represents unspecified opioid use, which can include a range of opioid-related issues without specifying the exact nature of the use.

When should I use F11.9 instead of a more specific code?

F11.9 should be used when the documentation does not provide enough detail to specify the type of opioid use or when the patient's condition is still being evaluated.