The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) is a crucial coding system in healthcare for diagnosis coding and medical billing. Among its extensive codes, F33.1 is designated for Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate. This code is not just a string of characters; it represents a specific diagnosis with significant implications for patient care, medical documentation, and reimbursement.
ICD-10 code F33.1 is classified as a billable/specific code. This designation is important because it signifies that this code is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes. When healthcare providers submit claims for services related to a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate, F33.1 is the code that accurately and specifically communicates this diagnosis to insurance companies and other payers. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, including code F33.1, became effective on October 1, 2024, highlighting the importance of using the most current coding system for accurate medical billing and record-keeping. It’s also important to note that this is the American ICD-10-CM version; international versions might have variations.
US flag icon representing the United States context of ICD-10-CM diagnosis code F33.1
Several approximate synonyms are associated with ICD-10 code F33.1, which can be helpful for healthcare professionals when documenting or searching for this diagnosis. These include:
- Depression, major, recurrent, moderate
- Major depression, recurrent, moderate
- Moderate recurrent major depressive disorder
- Recurrent moderate major depressive disorder
Furthermore, more detailed clinical specifications are also considered under F33.1, such as:
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with anxious distress
- 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
Understanding the history of a code can provide context and ensure proper usage. ICD-10-CM code F33.1 was introduced in 2016 and has remained unchanged through the 2025 update. This stability indicates that the definition and application of this diagnosis code have been consistently recognized and utilized within the medical community since its inception.
Within the broader ICD-10-CM system, F33.1 is positioned amongst related codes. Codes adjacent to F33.1 in the classification system include codes for single episodes of major depressive disorder (like F32 series), as well as other recurrent depressive disorders (F33 series). This close grouping helps to differentiate between single episode and recurrent disorders, and also among varying degrees of severity within depressive disorders. For instance, F33.0 represents major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild, while F33.2 and F33.3 are for recurrent severe forms without and with psychotic features, respectively. This hierarchical structure allows for nuanced and accurate diagnosis coding in mental health.
In conclusion, ICD-10 code F33.1 is a vital tool for classifying and documenting major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate. Its specificity as a billable code, its established history, and its place within the ICD-10-CM system underscore its importance for accurate diagnosis, effective communication among healthcare providers, and proper medical billing practices. For anyone working in healthcare, understanding codes like F33.1 is essential for navigating the complexities of medical coding and ensuring patients receive appropriate care and services.
