The medical diagnosis code F43.23, as defined within the ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification), is utilized to specify “Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.” This code is crucial for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and classifying mental health conditions, particularly those arising as a response to identifiable stressors. Understanding this diagnosis code is essential for accurate medical billing, record-keeping, and ensuring appropriate patient care.
F43.23 is categorized under the broader section of “Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders” within the ICD-10-CM framework. Specifically, it falls under the “Adjustment disorders” subsection (F43.2), highlighting its nature as a condition triggered by stressful life events. As a billable and specific code, F43.23 is valid for use in medical claims and reimbursement processes, particularly in the United States where the ICD-10-CM is the standard. The code’s effectiveness for billing purposes dates back to October 1, 2015, for services provided on or after that date. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, which includes F43.23, became effective on October 1, 2024, with no changes to this specific code throughout recent updates from 2016 to 2025.
Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, represented by diagnosis code F43.23, is characterized by the presence of both anxiety and depressive symptoms that emerge in response to identifiable stressors. These stressors can range from significant life changes like job loss or relationship issues to more chronic stressors. The symptoms are clinically significant, meaning they cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. It’s important to note that the reaction is considered an adjustment disorder because the emotional or behavioral symptoms develop within three months of the onset of the stressor(s).
While F43.23 directly represents “Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood,” it’s also associated with approximate synonyms like “Adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features.” This highlights the blended nature of the emotional distress experienced by individuals diagnosed with this condition. Within the ICD-10-CM system, F43.23 is further categorized within Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG v42.0), which are used for hospital inpatient classifications and reimbursement.
To fully understand the context of F43.23, it’s helpful to consider related ICD-10-CM codes. These include codes adjacent to F43.23 such as F43.21 for “Adjustment disorder with depressed mood,” F43.22 for “Adjustment disorder with anxiety,” and other variations within the F43.2 “Adjustment disorders” category. Furthermore, the broader F43 category includes other stress-related conditions like “Acute stress reaction” (F43.0) and “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)” (F43.1), providing a spectrum of diagnoses related to stress and trauma.
In summary, diagnosis code F43.23 is a vital tool for healthcare providers to accurately classify and manage patients experiencing adjustment disorders with mixed anxiety and depressive symptoms. Its specificity ensures correct billing and facilitates appropriate treatment planning for individuals struggling to adapt to stressful life circumstances. Understanding the nuances of F43.23 within the ICD-10-CM system is crucial for effective healthcare delivery and administration.
