ICD-10-CM code F43 describes reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (category). ICD-10-CM category header that is not valid for billing on its own. Use a more specific child code such as F43.10 (PTSD) or F43.21 (adjustment disorder with depressed mood). It is an ICD-10-CM category header that must be specified to a more detailed child code before billing. It is grouped under the “Anxiety, Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders” section of the mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders chapter.
When to use F43
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 F43 specifically, icd-10-cm category header that is not valid for billing on its own. use a more specific child code such as f43.10 (ptsd) or f43.21 (adjustment disorder with depressed mood).
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 F43
Clinicians often look up F43 using plain-language terms. This code maps to:
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10-CM code F43?
Reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (category). ICD-10-CM category header that is not valid for billing on its own. Use a more specific child code such as F43.10 (PTSD) or F43.21 (adjustment disorder with depressed mood).
Is F43 a billable ICD-10-CM code?
No. F43 is an ICD-10-CM category header that is not valid for billing on its own. ICD-10-CM category header that is not valid for billing on its own. Use a more specific child code such as F43.10 (PTSD) or F43.21 (adjustment disorder with depressed mood). Select the most specific supported child code before submitting a claim.
Which code should I use instead of F43?
Because F43 is a category header, choose a more specific child code beneath it. ICD-10-CM category header that is not valid for billing on its own. Use a more specific child code such as F43.10 (PTSD) or F43.21 (adjustment disorder with depressed mood).