The F33.1 Diagnosis Code is a critical component of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system, specifically used in the United States. This code is designated for Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate. It is essential for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and insurance providers to accurately classify and process diagnoses related to mental health.
Within the ICD-10-CM framework, F33.1 is a billable and specific code. This means it is precise enough to be used for reimbursement purposes in medical billing. The code officially came into effect on October 1, 2015, with the initial implementation of ICD-10-CM, and the latest update in the 2025 edition, effective October 1, 2024, maintains this code without changes. It’s important to note that while F33.1 is the American version, international adaptations of ICD-10 may have variations of this code.
Understanding the annotation back-references associated with F33.1 can provide further context. These references link F33.1 to other related codes through annotations like “Applicable To,” “Code Also,” “Excludes1,” and “Includes.” This system of cross-referencing ensures comprehensive and accurate coding in complex cases.
Several approximate synonyms are used interchangeably with F33.1, aiding in clarity and searchability. These include “Depression, major, recurrent, moderate,” “Moderate recurrent major depression,” and more detailed descriptions such as “Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate w anxious stress” or “Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate w seasonal pattern.” These synonyms reflect the nuanced ways in which recurrent moderate major depression can manifest.
For billing and diagnostic grouping, ICD-10-CM F33.1 falls under specific Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG v42.0). This categorization is crucial for hospital reimbursement and statistical analysis. Reviewing the code history of F33.1 shows its consistent presence in the ICD-10-CM system since 2016, reinforcing its established role in medical coding. Furthermore, examining the diagnosis index entries and adjacent ICD-10-CM codes provides a broader understanding of F33.1 within the spectrum of depressive disorders, aiding in differential diagnosis and accurate code selection.
Claims for reimbursement with a service date on or after October 1, 2015, are required to utilize ICD-10-CM codes, including F33.1 when diagnosing recurrent moderate major depressive disorder. This code ensures that diagnoses are standardized, facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers and accurate processing of medical claims.
