pwilliams
New
Recently, I was told by a manager, that depression, unspecified, and major depressive disorder were the same thing. I question this and was wondering if anybody had a resource for the answer.
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Wiki Depression versus major depressive disorder
- Thread starter pwilliams
- Start date
Could it be that the manager may not be up to date on recent ICD-10 coding changes?
As of October 1, 2021, a new code was introduced: F32.A (Depression, unspecified).
F32.9 is Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified.
Before the new code was created, the ICD-10-CM index did direct to F32.9 for unspecified depression. However, the new code was added to allow for that specificity.
ckeeney
Guru
The DSM-5 also gives you diagnostic information to distinguish unspecified depression and major depressive disorder. It lists all the depressive disorders and unspecified depression is listed as a separate diagnosis.
"Depressive disorders include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder (including major depressive episode), persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition, other specified depressive disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder. The common feature of all of these disorders is the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by related changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function (e.g., somatic and cognitive changes in major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder). What differs among them are issues of duration, timing, or presumed etiology."
"Depressive disorders include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder (including major depressive episode), persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition, other specified depressive disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder. The common feature of all of these disorders is the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by related changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function (e.g., somatic and cognitive changes in major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder). What differs among them are issues of duration, timing, or presumed etiology."
dineshkumar.p7@accesshealthcare.com
Networker
F32.A- Depression, unspecified (Depression refers to a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. The term unspecified means the medical documentation does not provide enough detail to identify a more specific type of depression.) This code is Effective from 10/01/2021.
F32.9- Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified (A single unspecified episode of major depressive disorder is characterized by depressed mood and/or loss of interest/pleasure in life and three to four or more other depressive symptoms that affects an individual’s mental and physical function for at least two weeks, but once the episode resolves, the individual does not suffer from the symptoms again (single episode). patients suffering from a single unspecified major depressive disorder may experience emotional distress, distractibility, difficulty focusing or making decisions, fatigue, agitation, cognitive defects, and weight loss or gain not due to being on a diet. This code effective from 10/01/2015
based on code effective date, Specific type (single or recurrent) we can select the code. I hope it helps.
F32.9- Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified (A single unspecified episode of major depressive disorder is characterized by depressed mood and/or loss of interest/pleasure in life and three to four or more other depressive symptoms that affects an individual’s mental and physical function for at least two weeks, but once the episode resolves, the individual does not suffer from the symptoms again (single episode). patients suffering from a single unspecified major depressive disorder may experience emotional distress, distractibility, difficulty focusing or making decisions, fatigue, agitation, cognitive defects, and weight loss or gain not due to being on a diet. This code effective from 10/01/2015
based on code effective date, Specific type (single or recurrent) we can select the code. I hope it helps.
ole16
Contributor
You're right to question that. They are not the same condition, either clinically or for coding purposes.
- F32.9 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
This code represents a clinical diagnosis of MDD, even if the provider doesn't specify severity (mild, moderate, severe).
- F32.A - Depression, unspecified
This code is used when a provider documents "depression" without further clarification or meeting diagnostic criteria for MDD.
MDD (F32.9) implies criteria from DSM-5 have been met - like persistent sadness, anhedonia, sleep/appetite disturbance, etc., for at least 2 weeks. Unspecified depression (F32.A) is a vague or general term and should not be coded as MDD unless the provider specifically states that diagnosis.