ICD-10-CM Codes for Major Depressive Disorder: F32 & F33 Explained
A patient has major depressive disorder documented in the chart. But should the ICD-10-CM code be F32.1, F33.1, F33.2, or F32.9?
The answer depends on more than the word “major depression.”
For U.S. healthcare providers, diagnosis coding uses ICD-10-CM, the U.S. clinical modification of ICD-10. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is primarily coded within the F32.- and F33.- families. F32 generally represents a single episode, while F33 represents recurrent MDD.
The exact code can also depend on documented severity, psychotic features, and remission status. For example, “major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate” carries different coding information than simply documenting “depression.”
This guide explains the major MDD ICD-10-CM codes and the documentation details behavioral health providers should know.
Key Takeaways
- Single-episode MDD is coded with F32.0–F32.5 or F32.9, depending on severity or remission status.
- F33.- includes recurrent major depressive disorder codes.
- Severity, psychotic features, and remission status can change the ICD-10-CM code.
- F32.9 is MDD, single episode, unspecified; F32.A is depression, unspecified.
- Healthcare providers use ICD-10-CM codes when diagnosing patients.
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also called major depression, is a mood disorder that can affect mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, concentration, and everyday functioning.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes major depression as a depressed mood or loss of interest most of the time for at least two weeks, along with symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
For ICD-10-CM coding, providers may also need to document whether MDD is single or recurrent, its severity, psychotic features, and remission status.
What Is the ICD-10-CM Code for Major Depressive Disorder?
There is no single ICD-10-CM code that applies to every case of major depressive disorder.
For U.S. diagnosis coding, major depressive disorder is primarily reported using:
F32.0–F32.5 and F32.9 – Major depressive disorder, single episode
F33.0–F33.3, F33.40–F33.42, and F33.9 – Major depressive disorder, recurrent
Major Depressive Disorder ICD-10-CM Codes
| ICD-10-CM Code | ICD-10-CM Description |
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild |
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate |
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features |
| F32.3 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic features |
| F32.4 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, in partial remission |
| F32.5 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remission |
| F32.9 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified |
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild |
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate |
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe without psychotic features |
| F33.3 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms |
| F33.40 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in remission, unspecified |
| F33.41 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in partial remission |
| F33.42 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, in full remission |
| F33.9 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified |
These descriptions are reflected in CMS diagnosis-code resources.
F32 vs. F33 ICD-10-CM Codes: What Is the Difference?
The MDD codes within F32 apply when major depressive disorder is documented as a single episode, while F33 applies when MDD is documented as recurrent.
Once the episode pattern is established, the specific code depends on severity, psychotic features, or remission status.
For example, F32.1 represents major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate, while F33.1 represents recurrent major depressive disorder, moderate.
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How Severity Affects the MDD ICD-10-CM Code
ICD-10-CM distinguishes mild, moderate, and severe major depressive disorder. Severe MDD is further differentiated according to whether psychotic features are documented.
The code should reflect the treating provider’s documented assessment. Coding staff should not independently infer severity from medication use, therapy frequency, screening results, or another indirect indicator.
How Is Major Depressive Disorder Coded in Remission?
ICD-10-CM distinguishes active major depressive disorder from MDD documented in remission. Both single-episode and recurrent MDD have specific options for remission status, including partial and full remission.
The remission status should come from the clinician’s documented assessment rather than being inferred simply because symptoms have improved.
F32.9 vs. F32.A: What Is the Difference?
F32.9 – Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
F32.A – Depression, unspecified
They are separate ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
F32.9 indicates that major depressive disorder has been established as a diagnosis, but the available documentation does not provide further specificity for that single episode.
F32.A represents unspecified depression. It should not automatically be treated as equivalent to major depressive disorder. When selecting between these codes, the diagnosis documented by the provider should guide code assignment.
Documentation Considerations for MDD ICD-10-CM Coding
Accurate diagnosis coding begins with specific clinical documentation.
When applicable to the patient’s condition, MDD documentation may identify:
- Single episode or recurrent MDD
- Current severity
- Presence or absence of psychotic features
- Current remission status
The code should reflect the highest level of specificity supported by the clinical documentation. The FY 2026 ICD-10-CM code set remains applicable through September 30, 2026. The FY 2027 code set applies to services provided from October 2026 through September 30, 2027..
Common MDD ICD-10-CM Coding Errors
Using F32 When Recurrent MDD Is Documented
The MDD codes within F32 represent a single episode. When recurrent MDD is established in the medical record, the applicable code generally falls within the F33 family.
Treating F32.A is another name for F32.9
These codes represent different documented diagnoses. F32.A is depression, unspecified, whereas F32.9 is major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified.
Missing Documented Severity
When the medical record specifies mild, moderate, or severe MDD, the diagnosis may support a more specific ICD-10-CM code.
Missing the Psychotic-features Distinction
ICD-10-CM distinguishes severe MDD with psychotic features from severe MDD without psychotic features.
Overlooking Remission Status
Active MDD and MDD documented in partial or full remission do not always use the same diagnosis code.
The goal is not to choose the most detailed code possible. It is to choose the most specific code supported by the clinical documentation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can an MDD ICD-10-CM code change from one visit to another?
Yes. An MDD code can change as the patient’s documented clinical status changes. For example, a patient previously documented with recurrent moderate MDD may later be documented as being in partial remission.
The diagnosis code reported for an encounter should reflect the condition and level of specificity supported by the current medical record rather than automatically carrying forward an earlier code.
Can a PHQ-9 score alone determine the ICD-10-CM code for MDD?
A PHQ-9 or another depression screening instrument can provide useful clinical information, but a screening result does not by itself establish the final ICD-10-CM diagnosis or severity code.
Code selection should follow the clinician’s documented diagnosis and assessment. Screening findings can contribute to that assessment, but coding staff should not independently translate a score into an MDD severity diagnosis.
Can providers code suspected major depressive disorder in an outpatient setting?
For outpatient coding, uncertain diagnoses are treated differently from confirmed diagnoses. The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines state that diagnoses documented as “probable,” “suspected,” “questionable,” “rule out,” or similar terms should not be coded as though they are established in the outpatient setting.
Instead, providers and coders report the condition, signs, symptoms, or other reason for the encounter to the highest degree of certainty known for that visit.
Is major depressive disorder coded differently from bipolar depression?
Yes. Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorders belong to different ICD-10-CM diagnostic classifications. NIMH notes that bipolar disorder includes depressive episodes along with manic or hypomanic episodes.
A depressive presentation should therefore be coded according to the diagnosis established and documented by the treating provider rather than automatically using an F32 or F33 code.
Can F32 or F33 be submitted as the diagnosis code?
F32 and F33 are category-level codes rather than the most specific diagnosis codes used to describe an individual MDD presentation.
Providers and coding teams should select the applicable complete ICD-10-CM code supported by the documentation, such as F32.1 or F33.1, rather than stopping at the broader category when additional characters are required.
Official Sources
CDC/National Center for Health Statistics – ICD-10-CM Files
Official U.S. ICD-10-CM releases, including the FY 2027 code set effective October 1, 2026.
CDC/NCHS – FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Psychiatric Codes
CMS diagnosis-code reference containing the F32 and F33 major depressive disorder code descriptions.
National Institute of Mental Health – Depression
Federal clinical information on major depression, symptoms, diagnosis, and related depressive disorders.
About the author
Lara Dixit
Lara Dixit is a Senior Business Manager at Vozo Health, specializing in EHR platforms, practice management, billing, and revenue cycle optimization. She helps healthcare providers improve operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and drive sustainable practice growth. At Vozo Health, she focuses on business strategy, healthcare automation, and scalable growth for modern medical practices.