Understanding ICD-10-CM codes is crucial in medical billing and diagnostics. Among these, diagnosis code F43.23, categorized under Adjustment Disorders, specifically refers to an Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. This code is a billable and specific code within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system, widely used in the United States.
Understanding Diagnosis Code F43.23 in the context of US healthcare and ICD-10-CM.
What is ICD-10-CM Code F43.23?
ICD-10-CM code F43.23 is designated to diagnose Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. This condition is characterized by the presence of both anxiety and depressive symptoms that arise as a reaction to identifiable stressors. These stressors can range from significant life changes to ongoing difficult situations. The symptoms must be clinically significant as evidenced by either marked distress that is out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor, or significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Billable and Specific Code
For healthcare providers and billing departments, F43.23 is recognized as a billable/specific code. This means it is detailed enough to be used for reimbursement purposes. When a patient is diagnosed with an adjustment disorder exhibiting mixed anxiety and depressive features, using F43.23 ensures accurate medical coding for insurance claims and statistical tracking. The code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, for the 2016 ICD-10-CM edition, and the current 2025 edition, effective from October 1, 2024, continues to recognize F43.23 without changes. This stability is important for consistent healthcare documentation and data analysis over time.
Synonyms for F43.23
While diagnosis code F43.23 is precise, it’s helpful to be aware of approximate synonyms that may be encountered in clinical settings or older documentation. These include:
- Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed
- Adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features
These terms essentially describe the same clinical picture as F43.23, highlighting the combination of both anxious and depressive symptoms in the context of an adjustment disorder.
Code History and Context
The code history of F43.23 is noteworthy for its consistency. Since its introduction in 2016 as part of the non-draft ICD-10-CM, there have been no revisions or changes through the 2025 edition. This indicates a stable and well-defined diagnostic category within the ICD-10-CM framework.
Understanding its place within the broader ICD-10-CM hierarchy is also important. F43.23 falls under the chapter for “Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders” (F01-F99), specifically within the “Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders” (F43) block, and the “Adjustment disorders” (F43.2) category. Adjacent codes include other types of adjustment disorders such as:
- F43.21 – Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
- F43.22 – Adjustment disorder with anxiety
- F43.20 – Adjustment disorder, unspecified
This close grouping helps to differentiate F43.23 from related but distinct conditions, ensuring appropriate code selection based on the patient’s specific presentation.
Conclusion
In summary, diagnosis code F43.23 is a critical tool for accurately classifying and billing for “Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.” Its specific nature, consistent application since 2016, and clear place within the ICD-10-CM system make it an essential code for healthcare professionals in the United States. Recognizing its definition, synonyms, and historical context contributes to better clinical documentation, accurate reimbursement, and improved understanding of mental health conditions.
