Do you code anxiety cases every day? Are you confused about which anxiety code to use? Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the US annually. Studies show 31% of adults will experience anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Proper ICD-10 coding ensures accurate reimbursement for anxiety diagnosis. Wrong codes lead to claim denials and payment delays.
The ICD-10 codes for anxiety disorders vary by type. F41.9 is the code for anxiety disorder, unspecified. Specific codes exist for different anxiety disorder types and presentations. Medicare reviews anxiety claims closely for proper coding accuracy always. Documentation must support the specific code used for each case. Using the right code prevents audits and claim rejections completely.
This guide covers all anxiety ICD-10 codes clearly. We show when to use each code properly. You will learn documentation requirements for anxiety coding. Tables make finding the right code easy and fast. Proper coding improves practice revenue and reduces claim denials. Mental health coders need this information for accurate billing daily.
Common Anxiety ICD-10 Codes List
Anxiety has multiple ICD-10 codes available. Each code describes a different type of presentation. Choose the right code based on documentation.
Primary Anxiety Disorder Codes
| ICD-10 Code | Anxiety Disorder Type | Key Features |
| F41.9 | Anxiety disorder, unspecified | No specific type documented |
| F41.1 | Generalized anxiety disorder | Excessive worry most days |
| F41.0 | Panic disorder without agoraphobia | Recurrent panic attacks |
| F40.10 | Social anxiety disorder, unspecified | Fear of social situations |
| F41.8 | Other specified anxiety disorders | Does not fit other categories |
| F43.0 | Acute stress reaction | Response to traumatic event |
Anxiety with Panic Codes
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Usage |
| F41.0 | Panic disorder without agoraphobia | Panic attacks, no place avoidance |
| F40.01 | Agoraphobia with panic disorder | Panic with fear of places |
| F40.00 | Agoraphobia, unspecified | Place avoidance without panic |
Phobia-Related Anxiety Codes
Social phobia uses F40.10 for the unspecified type. Specific phobias use F40.2 series codes. Agoraphobia uses F40.0 series codes instead. Each phobia type has distinct diagnostic criteria. Documentation must describe the feared object or situation. Specify if the phobia causes significant impairment daily.
ICD-10 Codes for Anxiety Disorders
Different anxiety disorders have specific diagnostic codes. Understanding each code ensures accurate billing. Proper code selection depends on documentation quality.
F41.1 – Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD involves excessive worry about multiple events. Worry occurs more days than not for months. Patient finds it difficult to control worry. Associated with restlessness, fatigue, and concentration problems. Must have at least three additional symptoms present.
F41.0 – Panic Disorder
Panic disorder features recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Attacks reach peak intensity within minutes, typically. Include symptoms like palpitations, sweating, and trembling. Patient worries about future attacks or consequences. Behavioral changes occur due to the attacks.
F40.10 – Social Anxiety Disorder
| Feature | Documentation Requirement | Examples |
| Fear trigger | Social situations causing anxiety | Public speaking, eating in public |
| Fear content | Negative evaluation by others | Embarrassment, humiliation, rejection |
| Duration | Typically 6 months or more | Chronic pattern required |
| Avoidance | Situations avoided or endured | Missing social events, work issues |
| Impairment | Impact on functioning | Career limitations, relationship problems |
Anxiety ICD-10 Code List with Descriptions
Complete list of anxiety codes for reference. Use this table for quick code lookup. Choose the most specific code based on the documentation.
Complete Anxiety Code Reference
| ICD-10 Code | Full Description | Clinical Notes |
| F40.00 | Agoraphobia, unspecified | Fear of places, situation avoidance |
| F40.01 | Agoraphobia with panic disorder | Combined panic and place fear |
| F40.10 | Social anxiety disorder, unspecified | Fear of social situations |
| F40.11 | Social anxiety disorder, performance only | Public speaking, performing |
| F40.218 | Other animal type phobia | Fear of animals |
| F40.228 | Other natural environment phobia | Heights, storms, water |
| F40.230 | Fear of blood | Specific blood phobia |
| F40.231 | Fear of injections and transfusions | Needle phobia |
| F40.232 | Fear of injury | Injury-specific fear |
| F40.233 | Fear of other medical care | Medical procedure fear |
| F41.0 | Panic disorder without agoraphobia | Recurrent panic attacks |
| F41.1 | Generalized anxiety disorder | Excessive worry, chronic |
| F41.3 | Other mixed anxiety disorders | Multiple anxiety types |
| F41.8 | Other specified anxiety disorders | Does not fit elsewhere |
| F41.9 | Anxiety disorder, unspecified | Type not specified |
Special Coding Considerations
Substance-induced anxiety uses a different code series. Anxiety due to a medical condition requires two codes. Code the underlying medical condition first when applicable. Use additional codes for comorbid conditions present. Document medical necessity for all services billed. Include DSM-5 criteria met in clinical notes.
Conclusion
Anxiety ICD-10 codes require careful attention to specifics. F41.9 is the unspecified anxiety disorder code. Specific codes provide better documentation and accurate reimbursement. Proper documentation supports code selection and prevents denials completely. Update codes as new diagnostic information becomes available regularly. Following guidelines ensures accurate coding and proper payment consistently.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ICD-10 code for anxiety?
F41.9 for unspecified anxiety disorder is the most common. Use this when a specific anxiety type is not documented. Update to specific code when more info is available.
Q2: What is the code for generalized anxiety disorder?
F41.1 is the ICD-10 code for GAD. This requires excessive worry most days for months. The patient must have difficulty controlling the worry.
Q3: When should I use F41.9?
Use when a specific anxiety type is not documented clearly. Apply for initial visits before the full assessment is done. Change to specific code after diagnosis is confirmed.
Q4: Can I code multiple anxiety disorders?
Yes, code all documented anxiety disorder types. Many patients have more than one anxiety disorder. List the primary diagnosis first for the visit reason. Include all conditions affecting treatment plan decisions.
Q5: How often do anxiety codes change?
ICD-10 codes are updated annually every October 1st. Stay current with coding updates each year. Check the CMS website for annual code changes. Old codes may not work after updates.
