What F17 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code F17 identifies Nicotine dependence in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Mental, Behavioral & Neurodevelopmental chapter (F01–F99), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply F17 when an encounter's findings match the Nicotine dependence description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify F17 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for F17 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
F17 refers to Nicotine dependence, a category of substance use disorders resulting from the repeated use of psychoactive drugs. These conditions may include dependence, abuse, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, and associated mental or physical health complications.
Symptoms
- Cravings and compulsive use – Central to substance use disorders
- Withdrawal symptoms – Anxiety, tremors, nausea, or seizures when not using
- Loss of control – Inability to stop or reduce substance use
- Neglect of responsibilities – At home, school, or work
- Mood changes or irritability – Linked to intoxication or withdrawal
- Risky behaviors – Such as driving under influence or unsafe sex
- Tolerance – Needing higher doses to achieve the same effect
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Nicotine dependence involves a detailed clinical history, DSM-5 criteria evaluation, toxicology screening, physical exam, and mental health assessments. Severity is often categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on behavioral and physiological patterns.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code F17 is widely used in psychiatry, addiction medicine, emergency care, and primary care. It supports treatment planning, billing for detox or rehab, reporting to public health registries, and long-term behavioral health tracking.
Related Codes
- F10 – Alcohol related disorders
- F11 – Opioid related disorders
- F12 – Cannabis related disorders
- F13 – Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic related disorders
- F14 – Cocaine related disorders
- F15 – Other stimulant related disorders
- F16 – Hallucinogen related disorders
- F18 – Inhalant related disorders
- F19 – Other psychoactive substance related disorders
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code F17?
A: It refers to Nicotine dependence, a substance use or dependence disorder caused by a specific psychoactive substance.
Q2: How are these conditions treated?
A: Through behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine), detox, counseling, and support groups.
Q3: Are these conditions chronic?
A: Substance use disorders can be chronic and relapsing but are manageable with comprehensive care and support.
Q4: What is the role of medication?
A: Some disorders (e.g., F11 or F17) benefit from medications that reduce cravings or block effects of the drug.
Q5: Who manages these disorders?
A: Addiction specialists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, and counselors in inpatient or outpatient settings.
Conclusion
ICD10 code F17 is essential for diagnosing and managing Nicotine dependence, ensuring patients receive appropriate addiction care, coverage for treatment services, and consistent tracking of recovery or relapse patterns over time.