ICD-10 F33.1 Diagnosis Code - Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder

A women ill with the Major Depressive Disorder get the treatment by this code F33.1 diagnosis Code

Key Takeaways

  • ICD-10 F33.1: Denotes Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, moderate.
  • Used when a patient experiences multiple depressive episodes meeting DSM-5 criteria.
  • Proper coding ensures accurate reimbursement and prevents claim denials.
  • Billable across multiple specialties, including psychiatry, primary care, and behavioral health.
  • Correct CPT pairing and modifier use are essential for revenue integrity.

What Is ICD-10 F33.1 Diagnosis Code?

ICD-10 code F33.1 describes Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, moderate. This condition involves repeated episodes of clinically significant depression that interfere with daily functioning. According to DSM-5, moderate recurrent depression requires two or more episodes, with symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep/appetite, and impaired concentration.

Clinically, F33.1 highlights patients needing ongoing management and often multidisciplinary care. From a medical billing standpoint, selecting the correct ICD-10 code ensures providers receive appropriate reimbursement for services rendered.

Who Can Bill ICD-10 Code F33.1 Diagnosis Code?

The code is commonly used by:

  • Psychiatrists & Psychologists: For therapy and medication management.
  • Primary Care Physicians: When managing depression in outpatient settings.
  • Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants: Under collaborative care models.
  • Behavioral Health Providers: Including counseling and telehealth services.

Accurate use of F33.1 benefits both clinical documentation and payer compliance.

Services Covered Under ICD-10 Code F33.1

Typical services associated with F33.1 include:

  • Initial psychiatric evaluations
  • Psychotherapy sessions (individual, group, family)
  • Medication management visits
  • Telepsychiatry consultations
  • Crisis intervention or follow-up visits

Billable CPT Codes Associated With ICD-10 Code F33.1

When billing for F33.1, CPT codes often used include:

  • 90791 – Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
  • 90832 – 90838 – Psychotherapy sessions (various time lengths)
  • 99213 – 99215 – Established patient office visits for medication management
  • 96156 – Health behavior assessment/intervention
  • 99492 – 99494 – Combined care management services

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Modifier Use with ICD-10 Code F33.1

Modifiers may apply when services involve:

  • Telehealth (-95 or -GT) for remote sessions
  • Modifier -59 when psychotherapy and E/M services occur on the same day
  • Modifier -25 for significant, separately identifiable services

Proper modifier application reduces denial risk and maximizes reimbursement

Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using unspecified depression codes instead of F33.1
  • Failing to document the recurrent nature of depression
  • Omitting severity (mild, moderate, severe) in coding
  • Incorrect CPT/ICD-10 pairings leading to claim denials
  • Missing modifier usage in telehealth encounters

Reimbursement Considerations

Reimbursement varies by payer, but factors influencing payment include:

  • Documentation of DSM-5 criteria for recurrent moderate depression
  • Use of time-based psychotherapy codes
  • Properly associating E/M and psychotherapy codes with appropriate modifiers
  • Payer-specific telehealth rules

Difference between ICD-10 Code F33.1 and Related Codes

  • F32.1 – Major Depressive Disorder, single episode, moderate (first occurrence)
  • F33.1 – Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, moderate (two or more episodes)
  • F33.2 – Recurrent, severe without psychotic features
  • F33.3 – Recurrent, severe with psychotic features

Key difference: F32.1 represents a single depressive episode, while F33.1 requires multiple documented episodes.

Are You Being Underpaid for Encounters With ICD-10 Code F33.1?

At CuresMB, we see providers frequently underpaid due to:

  • Improper code sequencing
  • Missed use of psychotherapy add-on codes
  • Lack of modifier accuracy for telehealth or same-day visits

Our team specializes in psychiatry and behavioral health billing, ensuring providers capture every dollar they earn. If you suspect underpayment on F33.1 claims, contact CuresMB today for a free billing audit and revenue review.

Final Thoughts

The ICD-10 F33.1 diagnosis code plays a vital role in accurately representing patients with recurrent moderate depression. For providers, correct coding supports both clinical integrity and financial sustainability. Pairing the right CPT codes, using modifiers wisely, and ensuring documentation meets DSM-5 standards can dramatically reduce denials and maximize reimbursement.

We help healthcare organizations navigate complex billing requirements, ensuring they get paid what they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It represents Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, moderate, used when a patient has multiple episodes.

F32.1 = single episode, moderate depression. F33.1 = recurrent, moderate depression.

Yes, F33.1 is billable and specific for insurance claims.

Common CPTs include 90791, 90834, 99214, and 99493, depending on the service type.

Yes, if depression significantly impairs functioning, F33.1 may be cited in disability claims.

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