2025 ICD-10-CM code F17.2
Nicotine dependence.
Medical necessity is established by the patient's documented dependence on nicotine and the presence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or reduction of use.Treatment aims to alleviate these symptoms and help the patient quit tobacco use.
Clinicians diagnose nicotine dependence based on medical history, behavioral patterns, and assessment tools. Treatment involves nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and sometimes non-nicotine medications.
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
- Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19)
In simple words: Nicotine dependence means you can't stop using tobacco, even though you know it's bad for you.You feel physical and/or mental symptoms if you suddenly stop.
Nicotine dependence, also known as tobacco dependence, refers to the inability to stop using tobacco products, which contain nicotine, even though aware of its harmful effects with physical and/or mental symptoms upon abrupt withdrawal of the substance.
Example 1: A patient reports intense cravings for cigarettes and experiences irritability and anxiety when attempting to quit., A patient uses e-cigarettes regularly and experiences withdrawal symptoms when they try to reduce usage., A patient chews tobacco daily and has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop, experiencing strong cravings and mood swings.
Documentation should include the type of nicotine dependence (e.g., cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco), current severity, any complications, and remission status.
- Specialties:Addiction Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Behavioral Health
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home