ICD-10 code for panic disorder

Living with panic disorder can feel overwhelming and isolating. The sudden onset of intense fear, racing heart, and difficulty breathing can leave individuals feeling powerless.

The ICD-10 code for panic disorder is F41.0. This diagnosis appears in Chapter V of the ICD-10, which covers Mental and Behavioral Disorders, specifically within the anxiety disorder category alongside other conditions like generalized anxiety disorder and phobias.

For the estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults experiencing panic disorder each year, proper diagnosis and treatment can provide a path toward managing these challenging symptoms.

When to use F41.0 for panic disorder

According to the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. For proper coding of F41.0, clinicians should verify that:

1. The patient experiences unexpected panic attacks that occur "out of the blue," not in response to specific triggers
2. At least one attack has been followed by one month or more of:
   
   • Persistent worry about having additional attacks
   • Concerns about the implications of attacks (losing control, having a heart attack)
   • Significant changes in behavior related to the attacks

For proper diagnosis of panic disorder, the attacks must not be due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (such as drug use or medication), a general medical condition, or be better accounted for by another mental disorder.

Panic disorder vs. generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

While both conditions involve anxiety, panic disorder (F41.0) features discrete panic attacks, while generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1) involves excessive and pervasive worry about everyday life events like finances, job issues, children, and health. Unlike panic disorder where worry often centers on the next possible attack, GAD worry typically focuses on usual life circumstances.

Panic disorder vs. agoraphobia

Though historically linked, panic disorder (F41.0) and agoraphobia (F40.0) are now considered distinct diagnoses in current diagnostic frameworks. While panic disorders involve the actual experience of recurrent panic attacks, agoraphobia is rather the fear of any situation from which escape would be impossible (including panic attacks). It’s common for these disorders to co-occur.

ICD-10 codes for other anxiety disorders

• F41.3 Other mixed anxiety disorders
• F41.8 Other specified anxiety disorders
• F41.9 Anxiety disorder, unspecified

Common interventions and CPT codes for panic disorder

Individual psychotherapy

‍Psychotherapy is a primary treatment for panic disorder, with different session lengths available based on clinical need:

• 90832: 30-minute sessions focusing on coping skills and anxiety management
• 90834: 45-minute sessions allowing deeper exploration of panic triggers and patterns
• 90837: 60-minute sessions particularly useful in early treatment or during symptom exacerbation
• 90839: Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes
• 90840: Crisis treatment, each additional 30 minutes

Medication management

‍Medication can be an important component of treatment, particularly for severe symptoms:

• 99213: Evaluation and management, low complexity medication management
• 99214: Evaluation and management, moderate complexity medication decisions
• 99215: Evaluation and management, high complexity medication management

Supporting clients with panic disorder

‍Evidence-based treatment for panic disorder typically combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with medication when appropriate. The key is maintaining accurate, compliant clinical documentation that clearly demonstrates medical necessity while focusing maximum time and energy on direct client care.

Upheal helps streamline this documentation process through AI-powered clinical note-taking that ensures thorough capture of symptoms, interventions, and progress while maintaining compliance with insurance requirements. This allows providers to focus more deeply on supporting their clients through the challenges of panic disorder.