ICD-10-CM F43.0

ICD-10 Code F43.0: Acute stress reaction

F43.0 is the ICD-10-CM code for acute stress reaction. DSM-5-TR crosswalks acute stress disorder to F43.0.

Official description
Acute stress reaction
Billable
Yes
Parent category
F43 · Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders
DSM-5-TR name
Acute stress disorder

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 F43.0

  • DSM-5-TR acute stress disorder codes to F43.0
  • Document the traumatic event and when it occurred, since timing separates this from PTSD
  • Revisit the code if symptoms continue

What to document for medical necessity

Payers look for a record that supports the diagnosis and the level of care. For trauma and stress-related disorders that usually means:

  • The stressor or traumatic event and when it happened
  • Current symptoms and their duration, since timing separates several of these codes
  • A scored measure where one fits, such as the PCL-5
  • Functional impairment and any safety concerns
  • Treatment plan goals tied to the trauma-related symptoms

CPT codes often billed with F43.0

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 F43.0:

90791 · Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (intake) 90834 · 45-minute individual psychotherapy 90837 · 60-minute individual psychotherapy

Free templates for this diagnosis

Related ICD-10 codes

F43.10 · Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified F43.89 · Other reactions to severe stress F43.20 · Adjustment disorder, unspecified

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-10 code for acute stress disorder?

F43.0, Acute stress reaction.

What is the difference between F43.0 and F43.10?

F43.0 is acute stress reaction and F43.10 is PTSD. The clinical difference largely comes down to timing and duration after the trauma, so document both.

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.