Wiki DX code F1520(other stimulant dependence)

[Crystal Olson]

Can the F1520 diagnosis code be used for patients taking Adderall?

Thank you

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, no. The fact that the prescription is for a controlled substance does not mean that the patient is dependent on the substance.

 

[Crystal Olson]

Hi there, no. The fact that the prescription is for a controlled does not mean that the patient is dependent on the substance.

Thank you, that was my thought. I will share with my Providers.

 

[jkyles]

Sure thing, this comes up a lot in pain management because so many patients receive chronic opioid therapy. Here is a cite from the ICD-10-CM guidelines

These codes are to be used only when the psychoactive substance use is associated with a substance related disorder (chapter 5 disorders such as sexual dysfunction, sleep disorder, or a mental or behavioral disorder) or medical condition, and such a relationship is documented by the provider.

You might also share with your providers that an incorrect diagnosis of substance dependence creates risk for the practice. For example, medical records related to substance abuse are subject to additional privacy protections. In addition, if a practice was prescribing stimulants to a patient who is also dependent they should be monitoring that patient with pill counts, testing etc. Just as importantly, it can create problems for the patient who can then sue diagnosing provider.

Sorry for the info dump but it is an interesting topic. Or at least I think so.

 

[miriambroyles]

Can the F1520 diagnosis code be used for patients taking Adderall?

Thank you

Simply suffering the effects of a prescribed habit-forming medication used as directed under a doctor's supervision does not equate to substance use disorder. However, as I understand it, F15.20 can be used if the the patient is in fact dependent on the prescribed simulant medication. DSM5 offers substance use disorder criteria for providers to consider (of which tolerance and withdrawal are excluded for prescribed medications).