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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesF33.8

F33.8

Billable

Other recurrent depressive disorders

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

Code Description

ICD-10 F33.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other recurrent depressive disorders.

Key Diagnostic Point:

F33.8 refers to other recurrent depressive disorders that do not fit into the more commonly recognized categories of major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). This classification encompasses a variety of recurrent depressive episodes that may present with varying symptoms and severity. Patients may experience episodes of low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and difficulty concentrating. Unlike major depressive disorder, the recurrent episodes in F33.8 may not meet the full criteria for severity or duration, yet they significantly impact the patient's quality of life. The diagnosis requires careful assessment to rule out other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, and to evaluate the risk of suicide, which is a critical consideration in recurrent depressive disorders. Treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, including mood stabilizers and antidepressants, tailored to the individual's specific symptoms and history.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms that may not fit neatly into established categories.
  • Need for thorough documentation to differentiate from other mood disorders.
  • Potential overlap with bipolar disorder, requiring careful assessment.
  • Variability in treatment approaches and response to medications.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent episodes.
  • Failure to assess and document suicide risk.
  • Misclassification of depressive episodes as major depressive disorder.
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and response to therapy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Psychiatry

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including previous episodes, treatment responses, and current symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for major depressive disorder.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions and the need for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment of mood symptoms, including screening for suicide risk and functional impairment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent depressive symptoms seeking help for fatigue or somatic complaints.

Billing Considerations

Coordination with mental health specialists for comprehensive care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use F33.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, F33
  • 8 should be used when the recurrent depressive episodes do not meet the criteria for other specified depressive disorders
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the recurrent nature of the episodes and any associated functional impairments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use F33.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with recurrent depressive disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, current symptoms, and treatment response.

Specialty Considerations

Psychiatrists may require more detailed mental status examinations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mood disorders, including recurrent depressive disorders. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation in mental health care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mood disorders, including recurrent depressive disorders. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation in mental health care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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

What distinguishes F33.8 from major depressive disorder?

F33.8 encompasses recurrent depressive episodes that may not meet the full criteria for major depressive disorder in terms of severity or duration, yet still significantly impact the patient's life.