2025 ICD-10-CM code F10.2
Alcohol dependence
Medical necessity for treatment of alcohol dependence is established by the presence of the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5.This includes evidence of impaired control over alcohol use, continued use despite negative consequences, and tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. The specific treatment modalities (e.g., medication, therapy) must be justified based on the patient's individual needs and clinical presentation.
Providers diagnose alcohol dependence based on patient history, signs and symptoms, inquiry into personal and social behavior, and physical examination. Laboratory studies may include blood tests for alcohol and thiamine levels. Treatment approaches include behavioral therapy, counseling, group therapy, residential treatment, thiamine supplementation (if deficient), and medications such as disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate.
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
- Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19)
In simple words: Alcohol dependence means you can't control your drinking even when it causes problems.You may crave alcohol, need to drink more to get the same effect, and experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop.
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a chronic medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.It involves a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over its consumption, and continued use despite harmful effects.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents with tremors, anxiety, and insomnia after attempting to reduce his daily alcohol intake. He reports a history of increasing alcohol consumption over several years, needing more to achieve the desired effect. He admits to neglecting work responsibilities due to his drinking., A 28-year-old female is admitted to the emergency room after a car accident. Her blood alcohol level is significantly elevated. She reports a history of multiple attempts to quit drinking, experiencing withdrawal symptoms each time. She acknowledges that her drinking has strained her relationships with family and friends., A 60-year-old male presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, and confusion.He has a long history of heavy alcohol use.Laboratory tests reveal elevated liver enzymes and a low thiamine level.He is diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, both complications of chronic alcohol dependence.
Documentation should include: type of alcohol dependence (e.g., with or without withdrawal), current severity (mild, moderate, severe), any complications (e.g., liver disease, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), and remission status (if applicable).Detailed history of alcohol use, including quantity, frequency, and duration, is crucial.Physical exam findings, mental status assessment, and laboratory results should also be documented.
** Excludes1: alcohol abuse (F10.1-), alcohol use, unspecified (F10.9-). Excludes2: toxic effect of alcohol (T51.0-).
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Non-residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital