Week 3 Discussion Diagnostic Conceptualization

ICD-10 codes -- important

The ICD-10 code is the code that helps identify a diagnosis. It is typically used for insurance reimbursement purposes. In your DSM-5, you have two sets of codes listed, ICD-9 and ICD-10. For purposes of diagnosing and our class, we will only be using ICD-10 codes. Those codes are listed in parenthesis and they typically begin with the letter F. So, for example, let's use Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. The diagnosis would look as follows:

 

F34.8 Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

 

(Always list the ICD-10 code followed by the title of the disorder and any relevant specifiers).

 

In your DSM-5, you will notice there is a section called "Use of the Manual." In this section, you will find a subsection called "Elements of a Diagnosis" and then another subsection called "Coding and Reporting Procedures." This last subsection, "Coding and Reporting Procedures" helps explain the role of the ICD-10 code. ICD-10 codes are simply a part of a DSM-5 diagnosis. The codes are the numerical value that corresponds with the diagnosis. You are not using them instead of the DSM-5 written diagnosis; rather, the ICD code is an element of your diagnosis. All diagnoses have two parts: the ICD-10 code and the corresponding name of the disorder (see my example above for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder).

 

Your manual contains two sets of codes: ICD-9 and ICD-10 (when DSM-5 was published in 2013, the US was still using the ICD-9 coding system). In October 2015, we switched to ICD-10. So, moving forward, only use the ICD-10 coding, which will always be located in parenthesis for each of the diagnoses listed in your manual.

 

Again, check out the "Coding and Reporting" section of your DSM-5 for additional detail on this.

 

When formatting your diagnosis, it should always look like this:

 

ICD-10 CODE - Full Name of Diagnosis

 

Here is another example. Note—do not include parentheses before or after the ICD-10 code. Simply list the ICD-10 Code and then the diagnosis name:

 

F93.0 Separation Anxiety Disorder