2025 ICD-10-CM code F17.218
Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disorders.
Medical necessity for services related to this code is established by the diagnosis of nicotine dependence and the associated health problems caused by nicotine.Documentation should support the need for interventions like counseling or medication to address nicotine addiction and associated health conditions.
Providers diagnose nicotine dependence based on patient history, including personal and social behaviors.Questionnaires are often used to assess cigarette use and dependence. Physical examinations and laboratory tests may be used to diagnose other nicotine-induced disorders, such as respiratory or cardiovascular issues. Treatment for nicotine dependence may include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counseling.
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
- F17.21- Nicotine dependence, cigarettes
In simple words: This code indicates that a person is addicted to nicotine through cigarette smoking and is also experiencing other health problems caused by nicotine, like lung or heart issues.
Nicotine dependence, also known as tobacco dependence, refers to the inability to stop using cigarettes, which contain nicotine, even though aware of its harmful effects with physical and/or mental symptoms upon abrupt withdrawal of the substance.This code specifies that the patient has nicotine dependence from cigarettes, along with other nicotine-induced disorders not otherwise specified within the F17.21- category.
Example 1: A patient presents with a history of smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years. They complain of shortness of breath upon exertion and a persistent cough. Upon examination, the provider diagnoses chronic bronchitis and determines it is caused by nicotine dependence. The provider also notes that the patient meets the criteria for nicotine dependence.Code F17.218 is used to represent nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disorders (chronic bronchitis)., A patient reports smoking two packs of cigarettes daily for over 30 years. They experience difficulty sleeping and increased anxiety when they try to quit.They are diagnosed with nicotine dependence and generalized anxiety disorder, which the physician attributes to long-term nicotine use.The appropriate code is F17.218, because the patient has nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disorder (generalized anxiety disorder)., A patient presents with peptic ulcer disease, and reports smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 15 years. The provider determines the ulcer is exacerbated by nicotine use and diagnoses the patient with nicotine dependence. The correct code is F17.218, for nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disorders (peptic ulcer disease exacerbated by nicotine).
Documentation should include the type of nicotine product used (cigarettes), the amount and frequency of use, symptoms of dependence, the presence and nature of other nicotine-induced disorders, and any treatment provided or recommended for both nicotine dependence and associated disorders.Details of cessation attempts, if any, are also important to document.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Addiction medicine, Family medicine, Internal medicine, Preventive medicine, Pulmonary disease, Behavioral health
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Federally Qualified Health Center, Public Health Clinic, Rural Health Clinic, and others, depending on the nature of services provided. Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home or Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home can be used if the service is provided via telehealth.