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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF31.9

F31.9

Billable

Bipolar disorder, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F31.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Bipolar disorder, unspecified (F31.9) is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). This code is used when the specific type of bipolar disorder is not clearly defined or when the clinician has not specified the type of mood episodes experienced by the patient. The disorder can manifest in various ways, including episodes of mania, hypomania, and major depressive episodes. Patients may experience changes in energy levels, activity, sleep patterns, and behavior, which can significantly impact their daily functioning. The diagnosis is often made based on clinical assessment, including patient history and symptom evaluation. Treatment typically involves mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy. Due to the nature of the disorder, individuals with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk for suicide, necessitating thorough risk assessments and ongoing monitoring. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptom presentation and episode classification
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and documentation
  • Potential overlap with other mood disorders
  • Risk of misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of mood episodes
  • Failure to assess and document suicide risk
  • Lack of clarity in distinguishing between bipolar disorder and other mood disorders
  • Insufficient follow-up documentation

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 acute manic or depressive episodes, and ongoing treatment adjustments.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions and the impact of medications on mood stability.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive mental health assessments, screening for depression and suicide risk, and coordination of care with mental health specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine screening for mood disorders, management of medication side effects, and referrals to psychiatry.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of the patient's overall health and potential interactions with other medical conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F31.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, F31
  • 9 should be used when the specific type of bipolar disorder is not documented
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that the patient's symptoms align with the criteria for bipolar disorder

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F31.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

90834CPT Code

Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient

Clinical Scenario

Used for ongoing therapy sessions for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Document the duration of the session, treatment goals, and patient progress.

Specialty Considerations

Psychiatrists should ensure that the therapy aligns with the treatment plan for bipolar disorder.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of bipolar disorder, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. F31.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of bipolar disorder, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. F31.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of bipolar disorder, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. F31.9 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Psychiatric Association - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use F31.9 instead of a more specific bipolar disorder code?

F31.9 should be used when the specific type of bipolar disorder is not documented or when the clinician has not specified the type of mood episodes. It is important to ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the patient's symptoms and treatment plan.