The primary ICD-10-CM code for depression is F32.A (Depression, unspecified), a billable code reported when a patient presents with depression that is not further specified as to type, severity, or episode.
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Inclusion terms
- Depression NOS
- Depressive disorder NOS
Coding risks
- Assigning when documentation supports a more specific code
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| F32.A | Depression, unspecified | Depression documented without specifying major depressive disorder, episode type, or severity. |
| F32.9 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified | MDD single episode documented without severity specified, distinguishing it from unspecified depression not identified as MDD. |
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild | MDD documented as a single episode with mild severity specified by the provider. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Depressive episode
Category covering single-episode depressive disorders ranging from mild to severe, with or without psychotic features, plus unspecified depression.
Mood [affective] disorders
Sub-chapter grouping mood disorders including manic episodes, bipolar disorder, depressive episodes, recurrent depression, and persistent mood disorders.
Major depressive disorder, recurrent
Category for recurrent depressive episodes without any history of independent manic or hypomanic mood elevation.
Persistent mood [affective] disorders
Category for chronic, persistent mood disturbances such as cyclothymia, dysthymia, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Adjustment disorders
Subcategory for maladaptive emotional responses to identifiable stressors, including adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Depression.
Impact
Assigning F32.A without explicit episode type may miscode as recurrent major depressive disorder (F33.-).
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when episode history is absent rather than inferring from prior visit notes.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
In pregnancy
Pregnancy-specific O-code adaptations used in place of the primary when the condition occurs during or complicates pregnancy.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use F32.A when the provider documents depression without specifying severity, episode pattern, or recurrence. More specific F32 or F33 codes take precedence when documented.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-08-04.