Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated

This code signifies a patient's physiological or psychological dependence on nicotine, specifically from cigarette use, without any associated acute or chronic medical complications directly attributable to the nicotine dependence itself. It indicates a primary diagnosis of nicotine addiction to cigarettes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of nicotine dependence due to cigarette smoking, and there are no documented withdrawal symptoms, mental/behavioral disorders, or other substance-induced disorders linked to the nicotine use. This is appropriate for routine follow-up, counseling, or initial diagnosis of uncomplicated cigarette addiction.

• Ensure documentation specifies "cigarettes" as the source of nicotine dependence; other nicotine products have different codes.
• Do not use this code if the patient is experiencing nicotine withdrawal (F17.203) or has a nicotine-induced disorder.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when the encounter focuses on managing or treating the nicotine dependence.