The F33.1 diagnosis code is a critical component of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM). Specifically, F33.1 is used to classify Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate. This code is essential for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and insurance providers for accurate diagnosis, record-keeping, and billing purposes.
In simpler terms, the F33.1 code indicates a patient who has experienced recurrent episodes of major depression that are classified as moderate in severity. “Recurrent” signifies that the individual has had more than one major depressive episode, as opposed to a single episode. “Moderate” refers to the intensity and impact of the depressive symptoms on the individual’s daily life and functioning.
Key Aspects of the F33.1 Code:
- Billable and Specific: F33.1 is a billable diagnosis code, meaning it is specific enough to be used for reimbursement claims.
- Effective Date: The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM, including code F33.1, is effective from October 1, 2024. This code has been consistently used since the introduction of ICD-10-CM in 2015.
- American Standard: F33.1 is the American ICD-10-CM version. It’s important to note that international versions of ICD-10 F33.1 might have variations.
Synonyms and Related Terms for F33.1:
To ensure clarity and accuracy in medical documentation, several synonyms and related terms are associated with the F33.1 code. These include:
- Depression, major, recurrent, moderate
- Major depression, recurrent, moderate
- Moderate recurrent major depression
- Recurrent moderate major depressive disorder
- Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode, moderate with anxious stress
- 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
These synonyms highlight the different clinical presentations and specifiers that can be associated with recurrent, moderate major depressive disorder.
Code History and Context:
The F33.1 code was introduced in 2016 with the implementation of the non-draft ICD-10-CM and has remained unchanged through the 2025 edition. It falls under the broader category of F33, which encompasses “Major depressive disorder, recurrent.”
ICD-10-CM Codes Adjacent to F33.1:
Understanding the codes surrounding F33.1 provides further context. Adjacent codes include:
- F33.0: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
- F33.2: Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
- F33.3: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms
- F33.4: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in remission
- F32.3: Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic features
- F32.9: Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
These codes illustrate the spectrum of depressive disorders, differentiating between single episodes and recurrent patterns, as well as varying degrees of severity.
Conclusion:
The F33.1 diagnosis code is a vital tool for classifying and documenting recurrent, moderate major depressive disorder. Its specificity and consistent use in the ICD-10-CM system ensure accurate communication and data collection within the healthcare system. Understanding the nuances of this code, along with its related terms and context, is crucial for professionals working in mental health, medical coding, and healthcare administration.
