F33.9
BillableMajor depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified
HCC Category Mapping
V24HCC 59 — Major Depressive, Bipolar, and Paranoid Disorders
0.309ESRDHCC 59 — Major Depressive, Bipolar, and Paranoid Disorders
0.000RxHCCHCC 132 — Major Depressive Disorder and Other Mood Disorders
0.000What This Code Means
Recurring major depression where the specific severity level or remission status is not documented or specified.
Coding Tips
- •This is a default code used when the provider documents recurrent major depression but doesn't specify the current episode severity or remission status
- •Attempt to query the provider for more specific information to use a more precise code
Clinical Significance
Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified is used when the provider documents recurrent MDD without specifying the current severity or remission status. This code is commonly used but represents a documentation improvement opportunity, as specifying severity enables more accurate risk adjustment and treatment planning. Recurrent MDD is a significant chronic psychiatric condition requiring ongoing management.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Provider documentation of recurrent major depressive disorder
- ✓History of at least two separate major depressive episodes
- ✓Provider should be queried for: current severity, remission status, presence of psychotic features
- ✓Treatment plan consistent with MDD management
- ✓Current medication list
Commonly Confused Codes
F33.0-F33.3 — Severity-specific recurrent MDD codes: Use when severity is documentedF33.40-F33.42 — Recurrent MDD remission codes: Use when in remissionF32.9 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified: Only one prior episodeF32.A — Depression, unspecified: Less specific, not confirmed as MDD
Code Hierarchy
└F33Major depressive disorder, recurrent└F33.9Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified
└F33.9Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified