ICD 10 Code for Bipolar Disorder Explained: 5 Must-Know Details That Change Everything

Detailed Guide on ICD 10 Code for Bipolar Disorder

Someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder under the ICD-10 code F31 experiences many affective episodes of manic, hypomanic, depressive, and mixed states. A Detailed guide on ICD 10 code for bipolar disorder under ICD 10 classification includes numerous codes that identify the episodes and their level of severity.

For F31.1, for example, its codes for a second-degree manic episode without psychotic features and F31.5 captures severe depressive episodes with psychotic features. F31.7 captures remission and unspecified cases can simply fall under F31.9. Careful clinical evaluation aims to determine the episode’s type and severity to document the episodes’ history and assign and treat the code appropriately. To code correctly, consult the ICD-10 guide.

What is the ICD 10 Code?

Used to diagnose diseases, conditions, and other health-related problems, the ICD10 code is a medical classification system. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports it and scientists, insurance companies, and physicians broadly utilize it. The codes allow for better hospital system communications and standardized medical checks.

Detailed guide on ICD 10 code for bipolar disorder is a combination of numbers and letters, usually with a letter followed by up to six digits (e.g., J45.958 for asthma). Disease categories divide the system into chapters, hence simplifying the identification and classification of medical problems. For bipolar treatment, reach out to us at The Healthy Minds. We are here to assist! 

ICD 10 Code for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder marks changes in depression (low mood, fatigue, hopelessness) and mania (high mood, excessive energy, impulsiveness). Severity can range, and subtypes based on symptoms and episode frequency are different.

Several particular subcategories of F31 offer more precise classes. For instance, while F31.3 to F31.5 refer to different kinds of depressive episodes within bipolar disorder, F31.0 denotes bipolar disorder with a single manic episode. For people with bipolar disorder, healthcare practitioners apply these codes to guide treatment, make notes, and diagnose.

ICD 10 Code for Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features

F31.2 – Bipolar Disorder, Current Episode Manic, Severe, With Psychotic Symptoms

This code applies to a patient suffering acute manic episodes which manifests with at least one delusion or hallucination. The patient is in a stage of severe mania which may lead to the patient demonstrating increased physical activity, joy, or anger which may lead to dangerous consequences. Due to the psychotic element, it is often hospitalized. Typically, the treatment includes antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and counseling. It is important for the health status to be stabilized and symptoms to be kept under surveillance.

F31.5 – Bipolar Disorder, Present Episode Depressed, Severe, With Psychotic Features

Some of the psychotic features might include self-destructive feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. On a practical level, this implies the use of a combination of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and greater psychotherapy. There is a greater need for more active planning and launching of problems which will quicken the pace of recovery.

F31.64 – Bipolar Disorder, Present Episode Mix, Severe, with Psychotic Characteristics

When a patient exhibits psychotic traits on top of both manic and depressive symptoms, this diagnosis is given. The person might be very motivated but quite despondent, which could cause great agitation and dangerous activity. Hallucinations or delusions linked to both mood states may be among psychotic signs. The mix of symptoms raises suicidal risk and impulsiveness, making this condition very risky. Treatment consists of close observation as well as mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medicines to stabilize mood fluctuations.

F31.74 – Bipolar Associated with Impairment in Functioning

An individual is classified under this category if they show signs of partial recovery from the episode but continue to have mood symptoms that impact normal functioning. Mood changes might include continuing delusional behavior, low self-confidence, or low level of cognition. Impairment in functioning is a state that means the target episode did not resolve at its core which suggests that therapy and medication will still be needed. He or she would be specially monitored to ensure that a shift into a state of manic psychosis does not occur. Some form of aid would be required to reverse the symptoms outside the psychosis or mania and normal functioning could be achieved.

F31.75 – Bipolar Disorder, In Full Remission, At Manic Phase with Psychotic Features

This diagnosis applies to an individual who is stable after having an episode of mania with psychotic symptoms. They do not show active symptoms of mania or psychosis; however, treatment is still required to prevent relapse. Medications, therapy, and lifestyle make long-term stability possible. Bipolar disorder even in complete remission is a lifelong illness that requires ongoing care. Regular psychiatric follow-up helps provide timely intervention if any warning signs arise.

ICD 10 Code for Mixed Bipolar Disorder

The ICD10CM code for Mixed Bipolar Disorder is F31.6 (bipolar disorder, current episode mixed). A person is said to have this diagnosis if they experience mania and depression together or in quick succession throughout the same episode. Contrary to standard bipolar episodes, where moods change over weeks or months, mixed episodes cause severe emotional instability, therefore high energy, agitation, irritability, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Often needing urgent medical care, these symptoms transform it into one of the most serious and high-risk varieties of bipolar disorder.

Mood stabilizing medications (such as lithium or valproate) and atypical antipsychotics to control both manic and depressive symptoms normally make up treatment for Mixed Bipolar Disorder. As they could exacerbate manic symptoms, antidepressants are usually shunned. Long-term management depends much on psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and consistent psychiatric observation. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid long-term risks and enhance the quality of life of the patient since mixed episodes elevate the risk of self-harm and impulsivity.

ICD 10 Code for Bipolar 2 Disorder

The ICD-10 classification of Bipolar II Disorder is mentioned in F31 as part of affective disorders, type bipolar. Unlike DSM-5, we can see that Bipolar II is not separately defined in ICD-10. It is mostly categorized under code F31.8 (Other specified bipolar affective disorders) or F31.9 (Bipolar affective disorder, unspecified). A patient diagnosed as suffering from bipolar II disorder has episodes of both depression and recurrent hypomanic episodes which are of lesser severity and not accompanied by a need for greater medical care. A person with Bipolar I does have manic episodes, in contrast to this, a person with Bipolar I does have full-blown manic episodes.

The diagnosis is the cornerstone for treatment as well as correct management of bipolar II disorder. Sometimes hypomanic episodes can get missed easily and are sometimes misdiagnosed as Major depressive disorder. Therefore, a comprehensive psychiatric examination is warranted. This approach often forced the use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.

How to Use ICD-10 Codes in Practice-Detailed Guide on ICD 10 Code for Bipolar Disorder

  1. Recognizing the Symptoms of the Patient

Check their symptoms to determine whether this is a peak, low, or combined episode. Depressive features include slow movement, low mood, apathy, and suicidal thoughts; manic features include high mood, agitation, impulsivity, and significantly reduced need for sleep. Especially manic episodes need to be closely evaluated given their combination of depressed and manic indications. Good symptom recognition comes from comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

  1. Assessing The Seriousness

Once you appraise their daily life damages to establish intensity, classify it as mild, moderate, or intense. A sensitive episode would be one in which the hallucinations or delusions are present. Almost always, serious cases will have to be hospitalized for treatment; therapy and medicine can effectively cure mild to moderate ones. The ICD10 subcategory (F31.0F31.9) documentation and therapy approach depend on the seriousness.

  1. Select the Right ICD10 Code

Once the patient is evaluated, the exact diagnosis has been chosen from among the most reachable possibilities. F31.1 is the code for a manic phase without psychotic signs, while a psychotic manic episode is documented under F31.2. A depressive episode without psychotic symptoms is under F31.4; one with psychotic symptoms is under F31.5. If the patient is now stable but has a history of bipolar disorder, the code to be used would be F31.7 (in remission); if the patient has both manic and depressive symptoms, the correct code choice would be F31.6 (mixed episode).

Bottom Line

A detailed guide on ICD 10 code for bipolar disorder is classified under various types and levels of intricacy which form different codes. The code for bipolar affective disorder is generally known as F31. Hypomanic episodes are described in more segmentation using the codes F31.0, which is a hypomanic episode, F31.2 is for a manic episode with psychotic features, and F31.3 is for a Depressive episode, mild or moderate. As previously mentioned, both hyper and depression phases are together termed as one disorder and are known as bipolar disorder. To effectively manage symptoms of bipolar disorder, therapy, medications, or other measures can be used to augment the patient’s quality of life.

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