ICD-10-CM F43.20
ICD-10 Code F43.20: Adjustment disorder, unspecified
F43.20 is the ICD-10-CM code for adjustment disorder, unspecified. Use it when the presentation does not fit one of the specific adjustment disorder subtypes.
- Official description
- Adjustment disorder, unspecified
- Billable
- Yes
- Parent category
- F43.2 · Adjustment disorders
- DSM-5-TR name
- Adjustment disorder, unspecified
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 F43.20
- Prefer a specific subtype (F43.21-F43.25) when one fits
- Document the stressor and when it began
- F43.29 is adjustment disorder with other symptoms
What to document for medical necessity
Payers look for a record that supports the diagnosis and the level of care. For adjustment disorders that usually means:
- The identifiable stressor and when it started
- The predominant symptoms, which decide the sixth character
- Why the reaction is out of proportion to the stressor or impairs functioning
- A review date - adjustment disorders are expected to be time-limited, so revisit the code if symptoms persist
- Treatment plan goals tied to the stressor and the symptoms
CPT codes often billed with F43.20
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 F43.20:
Free templates for this diagnosis
Related ICD-10 codes
Frequently asked questions
Is F43.20 billable?
Yes. F43.20 is billable, but a specific subtype usually tells the payer more about what you are treating.
How long can you use an adjustment disorder code?
ICD-10-CM does not set a time limit on the code itself. Clinically, adjustment disorders are expected to be time-limited, so if symptoms continue well beyond the stressor, reassess the diagnosis and document why.
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.