F40.298 ICD-10-CM

ICD-10-CM code F40.298 describes other specified phobia. Specific phobia not otherwise categorized (e.g., vomiting, choking, costumed characters). It is a billable, specific code valid for claim submission. It is grouped under the “Anxiety, Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders” section of the mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders chapter.

When to use F40.298

Use this group for phobias, panic, generalized anxiety, OCD, PTSD, acute and adjustment disorders, and dissociative and somatic symptom disorders. Match the code to the specific syndrome and document the precipitating trigger where relevant. For F40.298 specifically, specific phobia not otherwise categorized (e.g., vomiting, choking, costumed characters).

Documentation & billing

Document the specific syndrome, severity or frequency, and for trauma- or stress-related codes the precipitating event. For somatic symptom and pain disorders, note the psychological factors involved.

Common pitfalls

• Using unspecified anxiety (F41.9) when criteria for a specific disorder are met.
• Coding PTSD under a generic anxiety or stress code.
• Failing to specify the phobia type (animal, situational, or blood-injection-injury).

Common search terms for F40.298

Clinicians often look up F40.298 using plain-language terms. This code maps to:

Frequently asked questions