ICD-10-CM F43.81

ICD-10 Code F43.81: Prolonged grief disorder

F43.81 is the ICD-10-CM code for prolonged grief disorder. It was added on October 1, 2022, when F43.8 was split into F43.81 and F43.89, and it matches the DSM-5-TR diagnosis.

Official description
Prolonged grief disorder
Billable
Yes
Parent category
F43.8 · Other reactions to severe stress
DSM-5-TR name
Prolonged grief 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 F43.81

  • F43.8 is no longer billable on its own - use F43.81 or F43.89
  • Document the death, when it occurred, and how long the grief response has lasted
  • Ordinary bereavement without a disorder is often captured with a Z code instead

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 F43.81

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 F43.81:

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

Free templates for this diagnosis

Related ICD-10 codes

F43.89 · Other reactions to severe stress F43.21 · Adjustment disorder with depressed mood F32.A · Depression, unspecified

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-10 code for prolonged grief disorder?

F43.81. It has been a billable ICD-10-CM code since October 1, 2022.

Is F43.8 still a valid code?

Not for billing. F43.8 is now a category heading. Use F43.81 for prolonged grief disorder or F43.89 for other reactions to severe stress.

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.