The ICD-10-CM code for alcohol abuse, in remission (F10.11) is used to document patients with a history of alcohol abuse who are no longer actively engaging in problematic alcohol use. This code plays an important role in medical billing, clinical documentation, risk adjustment, and continuity of care, as it accurately reflects a patient’s current status while preserving relevant behavioral health history.
Correct use of F10.11 helps providers demonstrate clinical awareness, support appropriate follow-up care, and avoid miscoding that could affect reimbursement or compliance.
ICD Code Description
ICD-10-CM Code: F10.11
Diagnosis: Alcohol abuse, in remission
This code applies when a patient previously met criteria for alcohol abuse but no longer exhibits symptoms, and the condition is considered clinically resolved or controlled at the time of the encounter.
Key Characteristics
- Documented past history of alcohol abuse
- No current alcohol-related impairment or distress
- Patient may be abstinent or drinking without abuse behaviors
- Ongoing monitoring, counseling, or support may still be provided
Note: “In remission” must be explicitly documented by the provider.
Category & Code Type
ICD-10-CM Chapter
Category
Code Type
- Billable/Specific Code: Yes
- F10.11 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for reimbursement
Includes / Excludes Notes
Includes:
- History of alcohol abuse, currently resolved
- Alcohol abuse in sustained remission
Excludes:
- Active alcohol abuse (F10.10)
- Alcohol dependence in remission (F10.21)
- Alcohol use without abuse (Z72.89 or Z71.41)
- Alcohol-induced disorders (F10.12–F10.19)
Coding Guidelines
When reporting F10.11, follow these ICD-10-CM guidelines:
- “In remission” must be clearly stated in provider documentation
- Do not code F10.11 if alcohol abuse is currently active
- If alcohol dependence was previously diagnosed, use dependence codes, not abuse
- F10.11 may be reported alongside conditions requiring monitoring or counseling
- Do not use history-only Z codes in place of F10.11 when remission is clinically relevant
Billing Considerations
Reimbursement Impact
- F10.11 supports medical necessity for follow-up visits, counseling, behavioral health monitoring, and preventive care
- Often used in primary care, behavioral health, chronic disease management, and wellness visits
Payer Considerations
- Some payers review behavioral health history for risk stratification or care coordination
- Clear documentation reduces the risk of downcoding or denial
- May impact quality reporting and population health analytics
Documentation Tips
To ensure accurate coding and clean claims, documentation should include:
- Explicit statement that alcohol abuse is in remission
- Timeframe or duration of remission, if known
- Absence of current abuse-related symptoms
- Ongoing care plan (monitoring, counseling, relapse prevention)
- Clinical relevance to the current encounter
Avoid ambiguous terms like “history of alcohol abuse” without clarifying remission status.
Common Clinical Examples
- Annual exam noting prior alcohol abuse, now abstinent for several years
- Behavioral health follow-up documenting sustained remission with continued support
- Primary care visit monitoring chronic conditions with noted history of alcohol abuse in remission
- Preventive counseling visit focused on relapse prevention
Common Errors & Denials
Frequent mistakes include:
- Using F10.11 without documentation stating “in remission”
- Coding F10.11 when alcohol abuse is still active
- Confusing alcohol abuse remission with dependence remission
- Reporting Z-history codes instead of F10.11 when remission impacts care
These errors may lead to claim denials or inaccurate risk profiles.
Key Takeaways
- F10.11 is used for alcohol abuse that is no longer active
- It is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code
- Provider documentation must clearly state “in remission”
- Correct coding supports continuity of care and accurate billing
- Do not confuse abuse remission with dependence remission
FAQ:
What is the ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse in remission?
The correct ICD-10-CM code is F10.11.
Is F10.11 billable?
Yes, F10.11 is a billable diagnosis code for reimbursement purposes.
Can F10.11 be used if the patient drinks occasionally?
Yes, as long as the provider documents that alcohol abuse criteria are no longer met and the condition is in remission.
What’s the difference between F10.10 and F10.11?
- F10.10 = Active alcohol abuse
- F10.11 = Alcohol abuse in remission
Can F10.11 be used with counseling services?
Yes. It often supports ongoing counseling, monitoring, and relapse prevention services.
