Which code is the correct pairing for Moderate, depressed?

Which code is the correct pairing for Moderate, depressed?

• A. F31.11
• B. F31.12
• C. F31.32
• D. F31.31

Answer: (C)

In bipolar affective disorder coding, you indicate the current episode type and its severity. The base for bipolar is F31. When the person is currently depressed, you use F31.3 and the final digit shows severity: 1 for mild, 2 for moderate, 3 for severe, and 4 for depressed with psychotic features. So, a depressed current episode with moderate severity is coded as F31.32. The other options correspond to other severities or different specifications that don’t match the moderate depressive state. If there were psychotic features, you’d use F31.34.

In bipolar affective disorder coding, you indicate the current episode type and its severity. The base for bipolar is F31. When the person is currently depressed, you use F31.3 and the final digit shows severity: 1 for mild, 2 for moderate, 3 for severe, and 4 for depressed with psychotic features. So, a depressed current episode with moderate severity is coded as F31.32. The other options correspond to other severities or different specifications that don’t match the moderate depressive state. If there were psychotic features, you’d use F31.34.