F10.239

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

This code describes a patient who is dependent on alcohol and is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, but the specific type of withdrawal (such as tremors, hallucinations, or seizures) is not documented. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who regularly drinks alcohol suddenly stops or significantly reduces their intake.

Coding Tips

• •Query the provider if more specific withdrawal symptoms are documented in the medical record, as codes F10.231 (with hallucinations), F10.232 (with perceptual disturbances), or F10.239 (unspecified) provide more clinical detail and may affect treatment decisions
• •Ensure alcohol dependence is clearly documented alongside the withdrawal diagnosis; withdrawal without documented dependence would use a different code category

Clinical Significance

This code captures alcohol dependence with unspecified 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