Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with withdrawal

This code signifies a patient's physiological and psychological dependence on nicotine specifically from cigarette use, accompanied by the presence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or reduction of use. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and dysphoric mood. This indicates a significant level of addiction requiring clinical intervention.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of nicotine dependence due to cigarettes and explicitly mentions current or recent withdrawal symptoms. This is appropriate for patients presenting for treatment of their nicotine addiction, or when withdrawal symptoms are a complicating factor in other medical care. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing dependence criteria and observed or reported withdrawal.

• Ensure documentation specifies "cigarettes" as the source of nicotine and explicitly notes "withdrawal" symptoms.
• Do not use this code if the patient is dependent on other forms of nicotine (e.g., vaping, chewing tobacco) or if withdrawal symptoms are not present.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the nicotine dependence with withdrawal is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it impacts other conditions.