F10.26

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A person who is dependent on alcohol and has developed a lasting memory disorder (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) caused by chronic alcohol use.

Coding Tips

• •This code indicates a chronic, persisting condition rather than acute intoxication or withdrawal effects
• •Document evidence of memory impairment and its relationship to alcohol dependence

Clinical Significance

This code captures alcohol dependence with alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder, documenting a psychiatric manifestation directly caused by alcohol use. The distinction between substance-induced psychiatric symptoms and primary psychiatric disorders is clinically crucial for treatment planning — substance-induced conditions may resolve with sustained sobriety. These combination codes carry higher risk adjustment weight reflecting the dual complexity of substance use disorder combined with psychiatric comorbidity.

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 that the persisting amnestic disorder is directly attributable to alcohol use, not a primary/independent psychiatric disorder
• ✓Documentation of persistent memory impairment (Korsakoff syndrome) with confabulation, caused by chronic alcohol use and thiamine deficiency
• ✓Assessment and plan addressing alcohol use disorder with treatment recommendations (counseling, medication-assisted treatment, referral, etc.)

Commonly Confused Codes