The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code F43.22, specifically categorized as Adjustment disorder with anxiety, is a critical classification within the medical coding system. This code is billable and specific, meaning it can be used for direct reimbursement claims and pinpoints a distinct clinical diagnosis. Effective since October 1, 2015, and updated annually, the F43.22 code is essential for healthcare professionals in the United States utilizing the American ICD-10-CM version. It’s important to note that international versions of ICD-10 F43.22 might have variations.
Within the broader ICD-10-CM framework, F43.22 falls under the section of “Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders,” highlighting its nature as a stress-related condition. It is crucial to understand the context of “annotation back-references” associated with F43.22. These references point to other codes that contain annotations like ‘Applicable To’, ‘Code Also’, ‘Code First’, and various ‘Excludes’ or ‘Includes’ notes. Such annotations provide further guidance and specificity when utilizing F43.22 in conjunction with related diagnoses.
Common synonyms for F43.22 include “Adjustment disorder w anxiety” and “Adjustment disorder with anxious mood,” reflecting the core clinical presentation of this condition. For coding and billing purposes, ICD-10-CM code F43.22 is also categorized within Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG v42.0). To trace its coding history, F43.22 was introduced in 2016 and has remained consistent through the 2025 edition, indicating a stable and recognized diagnostic entity within the ICD-10-CM system.
Navigating the ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Index, you will find F43.22 and its related codes situated amongst a range of stress and anxiety-related disorders. Codes adjacent to F43.22 include other adjustment disorders like F43.21 (Adjustment disorder with depressed mood) and F43.23 (Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood), as well as broader categories such as F43 (Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders) and F43.2 (Adjustment disorders). Understanding the hierarchical structure and related codes is vital for accurate and effective medical coding and diagnosis using F43.22. For claims with service dates on or after October 1, 2015, the use of ICD-10-CM codes, including F43.22, is mandatory for reimbursement.
