Alcohol Abuse ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about alcohol abuse ICD codes you can use!
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What alcohol abuse ICD codes can I use?
If you’re looking for alcohol abuse ICD codes, we’d like you to know that there is much to select from. Here are six examples of alcohol abuse-related ICD-10 codes you can use:
- F10.10 - Alcohol abuse, uncomplicated
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have been abusing alcohol. In the context of this ICD-10 code, the patient is not experiencing or has any complications related to alcohol abuse, such as severe withdrawal symptoms, severe intoxication, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and more, hence the uncomplicated label.
- F10.11 - Alcohol abuse, in remission
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to be in remission for their alcohol abuse, which means they are currently recovering from it, and whatever symptoms of alcohol abuse they’ve been experiencing have lessened over time.
- F10.120 - Alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have been abusing alcohol. They are experiencing symptoms of intoxication (e.g., impairments to speech and memory, impairments to coordination and balance, feeling sleepy, feeling relaxed, etc.). Still, given that it has an uncomplicated label, the symptoms are mild and aren’t causing any complications.
- F10.121 - Alcohol abuse with intoxication delirium
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have been abusing alcohol and is intoxicated to the level that they’re delirious. This means their attention, awareness, and capability to process and observe their surroundings have been impaired.
- F10.130 - Alcohol abuse with withdrawal, uncomplicated
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have been abusing alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The uncomplicated label means that the withdrawal symptoms are manageable.
- F10.131 - Alcohol abuse with withdrawal delirium
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have been abusing alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. In the context of this ICD-10 code, they are delirious due to their withdrawal symptoms.
These are just some of the alcohol abuse-related ICD-10 codes you can use. There are more, some focusing on alcohol abuse with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and more. The ones that we listed are just the basic choices. Make sure to pick one that best describes the situation of your patient.
Are these alcohol abuse ICD codes billable?
Yes. All the codes we listed above are valid and billable.
Clinical information about alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse, simply put, is the excessive consumption of alcohol. People who abuse alcohol often tend to become dependent on it, and it will, if not managed or treated, lead to disruptions in their daily life (e.g., work, relationships, activities of daily living, etc.) and unwanted complications in their bodies.
Those who have been abusing alcohol will likely exhibit and experience the following symptoms:
- They will attempt to stop drinking but can’t resist after a few days
- They will feel guilty when they drink and likely become annoyed at people who point out they have a drinking problem despite knowing that they do have a drinking problem
- They develop a tendency to blackout after drinking enough times, and they have lapses in their memories when they wake up
- They become aggressive and/or hurt themselves or others while intoxicated
- They start to “need” alcohol in order to function
- They become poisoned by alcohol, which can lead to liver disease and/or death
Synonyms include
- Alcohol abuse
- Alcohol intake above recommended sensible limits
- Alcoholic binges exceeding safe amounts
- Alcoholic binges exceeding sensible amounts
- Binge drinker
- Heavy drinker
- Nondependent alcohol abuse
- Nondependent alcohol abuse, continuous
- Nondependent alcohol abuse, episodic
- Persistent alcohol abuse
- Unhealthy alcohol drinking behavior
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Commonly asked questions
Yes, but we don’t recommend using those because they are invalid and lack the specificity that several alcohol abuse-related ICD-10 codes have.
Healthcare professionals can determine if a patient is abusing alcohol if their alcohol consumption has been affecting their personal and professional lives, it has caused them legal problems, and/or has endangered themselves and others.
It depends on the patient and the severity of their alcohol abuse. Some treatments will work for others, while some won’t, but treatments can be any of the following: medication (like topiramate and gabapentin), behavioral therapies/counseling, and being involved with support groups.
