Screening for depression

This code identifies an encounter focused on screening for the presence of depressive disorders in individuals who are not currently exhibiting symptoms or seeking treatment for depression. It signifies a proactive assessment to detect potential mental health issues early.

This code is appropriate for routine health screenings, such as annual physicals, where a validated depression screening tool (e.g., PHQ-2, PHQ-9) is administered. It is also used when a patient presents for a general check-up and the provider opts to screen for depression as part of a comprehensive assessment.

• Do not use this code if the patient is already diagnosed with depression or presents with symptoms suggestive of depression; in such cases, a definitive diagnosis code for depression should be used.
• This code is for the screening encounter itself, not for the results of the screening.
• Consider appending a Z-code for the specific screening test performed, if applicable (e.g., Z13.31 for screening for depression).