AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2025 Issue 3; Ask the Editor

Dementia with Depression/Mood Disturbance

Many patients present with depression and dementia without documentation of a relationship by the provider. We understand the presumed linkages in the classification with the subterm “with,” however, it is the lack of a subterm entry for “depression” in the Alphabetic Index at “Dementia, with” that is causing concern. When coding this scenario, is it appropriate to reference the Alphabetic Index for “Dementia, with, mood disturbance,” based on the presence of the non-essential modifier “depression?” Can you please clarify reporting dementia with “mood disturbance?” ...

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