R45.88

Billable

Nonsuicidal self-harm

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 155 — Major Depressive, Bipolar, and Paranoid Disorders

0.425

V24HCC 59 — Major Depressive, Bipolar, and Paranoid Disorders

0.309

ESRDHCC 59 — Major Depressive, Bipolar, and Paranoid Disorders

0.000

RxHCCHCC 132 — Major Depressive Disorder and Other Mood Disorders

0.000

What This Code Means

Self-injurious behavior that is not intended to cause death, such as cutting, burning, or hitting oneself as a coping mechanism.

Coding Tips

•This code is specifically for non-suicidal self-harm; use suicide attempt codes (T36-T76) if there is suicidal intent
•Document the method and frequency of self-harm when present to support medical necessity and treatment planning

Clinical Significance

Nonsuicidal self-harm represents self-injurious behavior without intent to die, often used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. This condition indicates significant mental health needs requiring psychiatric evaluation, safety planning, and therapeutic intervention to address underlying psychological issues and prevent escalation to suicidal behaviors.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation of self-injurious behavior
✓Absence of suicidal intent clearly documented
✓Type and extent of self-harm
✓Underlying psychological factors
✓Safety assessment performed
✓Mental health referral or treatment
✓Coping mechanisms and triggers identified
✓Family or social support assessment

Code Also

injury, if known

Commonly Confused Codes

T14.91 — Suicide attempt involves intent to die F60.3 — Borderline personality disorder may include self-harm but is the underlying condition T78.4 — Other and unspecified allergy doesn't relate to self-harm Z91.5 — History of self-harm for past episodes

Code Hierarchy

└R45Symptoms and signs involving emotional state └R45.8Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state └R45.88Nonsuicidal self-harm

└R45.88Nonsuicidal self-harm