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PTSD ICD-10



Post-traumatic stress disorder ICD-10 codes


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a system used by healthcare providers to classify and code diagnoses. In this article, we will discuss PTSD ICD-10 codes, criteria, and billing.


Summary Table

Topic Description PTSD ICD-10 Codes

F43.10: Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified.

F43.11: Post-traumatic stress disorder, acute.

F43.12: Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic.CriteriaExposure to a catastrophic stressor, reliving the stressor, and prolonged avoidance of the stressor, among other symptoms.BillingMore specific codes are needed for billing purposes. Clients must meet specific criteria to be classified under PTSD ICD-10.



What is post-traumatic stress disorder ICD 10 and its criteria?


The general PTSD ICD-10 code is F43.1, but in actual practice, you would use one of the following three specifier codes:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, Unspecified (F43.10)

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, Acute (F43.11)

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, Chronic (F43.12) [1][2]

The first criterion of PTSD is that the individual must be exposed to an event of a “threatening or catastrophic nature”. This is a stressor above and beyond those you would find in everyday life. A classic example is combat exposure.


The second criterion is that the individual must relive the stressor in some way. This can be through nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts.


The third criterion is that the individual must avoid the stressor in some way. This can be through avoiding people, places, or things that remind them of the stressor.


The fourth criterion is that the individual must have negative changes in their thoughts and mood. This can include feelings of guilt, shame, or anger.


The fifth criterion is that the individual must have changes in their arousal and reactivity. This can include being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, or having angry outbursts.




Differential diagnosis of PTSD


PTSD can be difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with other mental health conditions. The following are some of the differential diagnoses of PTSD:



F43.0 Acute stress reaction


Acute stress reaction is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.


The symptoms of acute stress reaction are similar to those of PTSD, but they are usually less severe and shorter in duration. Acute stress reaction typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks, while PTSD can last for months or even years.



F43.2 Adjustment disorders


Adjustment disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can develop after experiencing a stressful life event.


The symptoms of adjustment disorders are similar to those of PTSD, but they are usually less severe and shorter in duration. Adjustment disorders typically last for a few months, while PTSD can last for months or even years.



Concerns for the PTSD ICD-10 diagnosis


While PTSD is a serious mental health condition, there are concerns about the accuracy of the diagnosis. Some of the concerns include:



What is meant by exposure to a traumatic event?


The definition of a traumatic event is subjective and can vary from person to person. What may be traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another. This can make it difficult to diagnose PTSD accurately.



Does PTSD only occur after a terrifying event?


PTSD can occur after any event that is perceived as traumatic. This can include events such as natural disasters, serious accidents, or the sudden death of a loved one.



PTSD diagnosis will narrow in the near future


The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently working on a new version of the ICD, which will be released in 2022. The new version will narrow the criteria for PTSD, making it more difficult to diagnose. This is because the current criteria are too broad and can lead to over diagnosis.



Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder


PTSD is a relatively common mental health condition. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7-8% of the US population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men.


Anxiety ICD 10


Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can cause feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. The ICD-10 codes for anxiety disorders include:

  • F41.0: Panic disorder

  • F41.1: Generalized anxiety disorder

  • F41.2: Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

  • F41.3: Other mixed anxiety disorders

  • F41.8: Other specified anxiety disorders

  • F41.9: Anxiety disorder, unspecified[4]


Secretariat ESTSS


The European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress. The ESTSS provides education and training for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. They also organize conferences and publish research on traumatic stress.


ICD-10-CM Code for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) F43.1


The ICD-10 code F43.1 for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders. The official long descriptor for F43.1 is "Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)"


Official Long Descriptor


The official long descriptor for F43.1 is "Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A disorder characterized by the development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events. The characteristic symptoms involve re-experiencing the traumatic event, persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness, and increased arousal. These symptoms last for more than one month and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.


References

  1. "2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F43.12: Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic." ICD10data.com. Retrieved from https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/F01-F99/F40-F48/F43-/F43.12

  2. "PTSD ICD-10." TheraPlatform. Retrieved from https://www.theraplatform.com/blog/572/ptsd-icd-10

  3. "PTSD: National Center for PTSD." U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

  4. "Anxiety ICD-10." TheraPlatform. Retrieved from https://www.theraplatform.com/blog/573/anxiety-icd-10

  5. "ESTSS."



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