F31.4 – Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features

F31.4 Diagnosis Code: Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that can affect a person's daily life. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression, referred to as depressive episodes. F31.4 is the diagnostic code used for bipolar disorder with a current severe depressive episode without psychotic features. Some of the clinical descriptions of F31.4 are:

• Severe depressive symptoms that last for at least two weeks can include sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt. The symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with daily life and lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
• Lack of psychotic features means the person does not experience hallucinations or delusions during the depressive episode.
• The episode is part of bipolar disorder, which means the person has also experienced manic or hypomanic episodes or will experience them in the future.
• The diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a mental health professional who will evaluate the person's symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental illness.
• Effective treatment options for F31.4 include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress reduction techniques. It is essential to seek professional help for support and to follow the treatment plan to manage the symptoms effectively.

Is F31.4 Billable?

Yes, F31.4 is a billable diagnostic code. It is used to classify and document the specific diagnosis of bipolar disorder with a current severe depressive episode without psychotic features. Healthcare providers use diagnostic codes like F31.4 when submitting claims for reimbursement from insurance companies or when documenting medical records for billing purposes.

However, it is essential to note that billing and reimbursement policies may vary depending on the specific healthcare system and insurance coverage. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or insurance provider for accurate and up-to-date information regarding billing and coding practices.

Clinical Information

• Bipolar disorder, specifically F31.4, is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent mood episodes alternating between depression and mania/hypomania.
• The current episode is characterized by a severe depressive state without psychotic features, which means the individual experiences intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair.
• Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
• The depressive episode is distinct from usual mood fluctuations and lasts for at least two weeks, significantly impairing daily functioning and quality of life.
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed psychiatric history, symptom evaluation, and possibly laboratory tests, is essential to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
• Treatment options typically involve a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy, and medication management, often utilizing mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics.
• Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial to track symptom progression, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensure the individual's well-being.
• Social support, lifestyle modifications (e.g., stress reduction techniques, maintaining a regular sleep schedule), and self-care practices can also play a vital role in managing the condition and preventing relapses.
• It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or their loved ones to seek professional help from mental health providers specializing in mood disorders to receive appropriate care and support.

Synonyms Include

• Bipolar depression
• Depressive phase of bipolar disorder
• Major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
• Severe bipolar depression
• Bipolar depressive state without psychosis

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Bipolar Disorder

Here are six commonly used ICD-10 codes for different categories of bipolar disorder:

• F31.0 - Bipolar disorder, current episode manic without psychotic features
• F31.1 - Bipolar disorder, current episode manic with psychotic features
• F31.2 - Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed without psychotic features
• F31.3 - Bipolar disorder, current episode depression with psychotic features
• F31.5 - Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed
• F31.9 - Bipolar disorder, unspecified

It's important to note that these codes represent different presentations and episodes of bipolar disorder, including manic, depressive, mixed, and unspecified episodes. A mental health professional will determine the specific code based on the individual's symptoms and clinical assessment.