F10.230

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

This code describes a patient who is dependent on alcohol and is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, but without serious complications like seizures or delirium. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who regularly drinks stops or significantly reduces their alcohol consumption.

Coding Tips

• •Verify that withdrawal symptoms are present and documented (such as tremors, anxiety, sweating, or nausea) to distinguish this from simple alcohol dependence without withdrawal
• •Use the 5th character '0' only when withdrawal is uncomplicated; if seizures, delirium tremens, or other severe complications are documented, select a different code (F10.231 or F10.232)

Clinical Significance

This code captures alcohol dependence with uncomplicated withdrawal, indicating physiological dependence severe enough to produce withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or reduction of alcohol intake. Withdrawal codes carry significant risk adjustment implications and reflect high-acuity clinical scenarios.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation of alcohol dependence with at least three of: tolerance, withdrawal, use in larger amounts/longer periods than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down, significant time spent obtaining/using/recovering, important activities given up, continued use despite knowledge of physical/psychological problems
• ✓Documentation of withdrawal symptoms (tremor, diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, anxiety, nausea, seizures) occurring after reduction or cessation of alcohol use
• ✓Assessment and plan addressing alcohol use disorder with treatment recommendations (counseling, medication-assisted treatment, referral, etc.)

Commonly Confused Codes