ICD-10-CM F32.1

ICD-10 Code F32.1: Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

F32.1 is the ICD-10-CM code for major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate. It is one of the most common depression codes in outpatient therapy. If the client has had an earlier episode, use the recurrent code F33.1.

Official description
Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Billable
Yes
Parent category
F32 · Depressive episode
DSM-5-TR name
Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

Verified against the FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set (CDC/NCHS and CMS), effective October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027, on . Chapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99).

Coding notes for F32.1

  • Single episode only - a prior major depressive episode moves the client to F33.1
  • Moderate severity sits between F32.0 (mild) and F32.2 (severe without psychotic features)
  • Update the code when severity or remission status changes rather than carrying the intake code forward

What to document for medical necessity

Payers look for a record that supports the diagnosis and the level of care. For depressive disorders that usually means:

  • The symptoms that support the diagnosis and how long they have been present
  • The current severity (mild, moderate, severe) and how you arrived at it - a scored measure such as the PHQ-9 helps
  • Whether this is a first episode or a recurrence, since that decides F32 versus F33
  • Functional impairment at work, school, home, or in relationships
  • Risk assessment, including suicidal ideation, at intake and when it changes
  • Treatment plan goals tied to the depressive symptoms you are treating

CPT codes often billed with F32.1

The ICD-10 code says why you are treating the client and the CPT code says what you did. These are the service codes most often paired with F32.1:

90791 · Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (intake) 90834 · 45-minute individual psychotherapy 90837 · 60-minute individual psychotherapy 96127 · Brief emotional or behavioral assessment

Free templates for this diagnosis

Related ICD-10 codes

F32.0 · Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild F32.2 · Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features F33.1 · Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate F32.9 · Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-10 code for moderate depression?

For a first episode of major depressive disorder at moderate severity, the code is F32.1. For a recurrent episode at moderate severity, it is F33.1.

Does F32.1 need a PHQ-9 score?

ICD-10-CM does not require a specific measure. A scored tool like the PHQ-9 is still a simple way to show how you arrived at moderate severity, and many payers look for objective measures in the record.

This page is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, billing, or legal advice. The diagnosis is the treating clinician's call, and payer rules vary - always confirm against the current ICD-10-CM code set and official guidelines and your payer's policy. See the full mental health ICD-10 code list.