ICD-10-CM code F33.1 is a specific and billable code used in medical diagnosis for Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate. This code is essential for healthcare professionals and medical coders for accurate documentation and reimbursement purposes. The F33.1 Diagnosis Code falls under the category of recurrent depressive disorders within the broader ICD-10-CM classification system.
Decoding F33.1: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate
The designation F33.1 clearly identifies a condition characterized by recurring episodes of major depressive disorder, specifically of moderate severity. In the context of ICD-10-CM, “moderate” signifies a level of depressive symptoms that are more pronounced than mild but do not reach the severity of major depression with psychotic features or severe major depression without psychotic features.
This ICD-10-CM code, F33.1, became officially effective on October 1, 2015, and the current 2025 edition, effective from October 1, 2024, remains unchanged. It’s important to note that F33.1 is the American version of this ICD-10 code, and international versions might have variations.
US flag icon for American ICD-10-CM code F33.1, Major Depressive Disorder
Synonyms and Clinical Descriptions for F33.1
To ensure accurate application of the F33.1 diagnosis code, understanding its various synonyms and clinical descriptions is crucial. These include:
- Depression, major, recurrent, moderate
- Major depression, recurrent, moderate
- Moderate recurrent major depression
- Recurrent moderate major depressive disorder
Furthermore, the ICD-10-CM system provides more granular classifications under F33.1 to capture co-occurring conditions or specific patterns, such as:
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with anxious stress
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with catatonia
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with mixed features
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with peripartum onset
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with seasonal pattern
- Recurrent moderate major depressive disorder co-occurrent with anxiety
- Recurrent moderate major depressive disorder co-occurrent with catatonia
- Recurrent moderate major depressive disorder, peripartum onset
- Recurrent moderate mixed major depressive disorder
- Recurrent seasonal moderate major depressive disorder
These detailed classifications help in providing a more precise diagnosis and tailoring treatment plans effectively.
Historical Context and Related ICD-10 Codes
The F33.1 code is part of a broader range of ICD-10-CM codes related to depressive disorders. Its history within the ICD-10-CM system is consistent, with no changes from its introduction in 2016 through to the 2025 edition. This stability reflects the established and consistent understanding of this diagnostic category.
Codes adjacent to F33.1 in the ICD-10-CM manual offer further context:
- F33.0: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
- F33.2: Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
- F33.3: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms
These adjacent codes highlight the spectrum of severity within recurrent major depressive disorders, with F33.1 occupying the moderate level.
Conclusion: Importance of Accurate F33.1 Diagnosis Coding
In summary, ICD-10 code F33.1 is a vital tool for classifying and documenting recurrent moderate major depressive disorder. Its specificity ensures accurate medical records, facilitates appropriate reimbursement, and supports effective communication among healthcare providers. Understanding the nuances of F33.1 and its related terms is essential for professionals working in medical coding, billing, and mental health care. The consistent use of codes like F33.1 contributes to better data collection and ultimately, improved patient care in the realm of mental health.
