What F42 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code F42 identifies Obsessive-compulsive disorder 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 F42 when an encounter's findings match the Obsessive-compulsive disorder 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 F42 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for F42 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
F42 refers to Obsessive-compulsive disorder, a set of nonpsychotic mental health disorders that affect thoughts, behaviors, and bodily experiences. These disorders commonly present with excessive worry, avoidance, compulsions, trauma responses, or unexplained physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
Symptoms
- Excessive fear or avoidance – Typical in phobias (F40)
- Panic attacks or chronic worry – Seen in generalized anxiety disorder (F41)
- Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors – Characteristic of OCD (F42)
- Flashbacks or emotional numbness – PTSD symptoms under F43
- Memory loss or identity disturbance – In dissociative disorders (F44)
- Unexplained physical symptoms – Hallmark of somatoform disorders (F45)
- Nervousness or fatigue – Features of F48 nonpsychotic presentations
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Obsessive-compulsive disorder is clinical, based on DSM-5 or ICD10 criteria, thorough patient interviews, mental status exams, and sometimes ruling out medical causes through lab or imaging studies. Screening tools like GAD-7 or Y-BOCS may support assessment.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code F42 is used in primary care, psychiatry, neurology, and psychology to classify anxiety, trauma-related, dissociative, somatoform, and neurotic disorders. These codes aid in treatment planning, documentation, insurance billing, and behavioral health coordination.
Related Codes
- F40 – Phobic anxiety disorders
- F41 – Other anxiety disorders
- F43 – Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders
- F44 – Dissociative and conversion disorders
- F45 – Somatoform disorders
- F48 – Other nonpsychotic mental disorders
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code F42?
A: It classifies Obsessive-compulsive disorder, a nonpsychotic mental health condition involving anxiety, trauma, dissociation, or somatic complaints.
Q2: Are these disorders common?
A: Yes, anxiety and stress-related disorders are among the most frequently diagnosed mental health conditions globally.
Q3: Are these conditions treatable?
A: Absolutely. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments are often effective.
Q4: How are somatoform and dissociative disorders different?
A: Somatoform disorders manifest physically without medical explanation; dissociative disorders affect memory, identity, or awareness.
Q5: Who manages these disorders?
A: Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, therapists, and sometimes primary care providers in integrated settings.
Conclusion
ICD10 code F42 enables accurate classification of Obsessive-compulsive disorder, guiding timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and coordinated care across the mental health continuum.