Wiki Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis?

[tkermode]

My providers often address the patient's anxiety related to their new cancer diagnosis. What code would you use for this?

F43.22 - Adjustment disorder with anxiety
F06.4 - Anxiety disorder due to known physiological condition

Based on this definition of adjustment disorders, I am leaning toward F43.22. I couldn't find anything in AHA Coding Clinic, so any additional references would be appreciated!

 

[Pam Warren]

Unless the provider specifically states an adjustment disorder, code the F06.4.

 

[brucep]

You should quiz your provider on the cause of the patient's anxiety. If the actual diagnosis is the cause (i.e. the anxiety is a patient's psychological response to knowing they have the disease), then F43.22 would be correct. But if the anxiety is a side-effect of chemotherapy or hormone therapy, then F06.4 would be appropriate.