---
title: "ICD-10-CM F10.20: Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated | BillingBrief"
description: "F10.20 covers alcohol dependence that the record describes as uncomplicated. Its listed terms are moderate and severe alcohol use disorder; mild alcohol use…"
canonical: "https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.20/"
language: "en"
---

# F10.20 Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated

ICD-10-CM · [CMS code reference](#source)

F10.20 covers alcohol dependence that the record describes as uncomplicated. Its listed terms are moderate and severe alcohol use disorder; mild alcohol use disorder is listed under F10.10 (abuse) instead.

## Coding notes

From the ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026) tabular list. Notes on a parent code or category apply here too.

### Also covers

-   Alcohol use disorder, moderate
-   Alcohol use disorder, severe

### Excludes1

Not coded together with this code. The exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other.

-   alcohol abuse (F10.1-)
-   alcohol use, unspecified (F10.9-)

### Excludes2

Not part of this code, but both can be coded when both are documented.

-   toxic effect of alcohol (T51.0-)

### Use additional code

Add a second code for the following, when documented.

-   code for blood alcohol level, if applicable (Y90.-)

## Related codes

-   [`F10.21` Alcohol dependence, in remission ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.21/)
-   [`F10.220` Alcohol dependence with intoxication, uncomplicated ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.220/)
-   [`F10.221` Alcohol dependence with intoxication delirium ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.221/)
-   [`F10.229` Alcohol dependence with intoxication, unspecified ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.229/)
-   [`F10.230` Alcohol dependence with withdrawal, uncomplicated ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.230/)
-   [`F10.231` Alcohol dependence with withdrawal delirium ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.231/)
-   [`F10.232` Alcohol dependence with withdrawal with perceptual disturbance ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.232/)
-   [`F10.239` Alcohol dependence with withdrawal, unspecified ICD-10-CM](https://billingbrief.com/icd10/f10.239/)

## Common questions

### Does severe alcohol use disorder go to F10.20?

When nothing more is documented, yes. The listed terms for F10.20 are alcohol use disorder, moderate and alcohol use disorder, severe. If the record documents remission, intoxication, withdrawal or an alcohol-induced disorder, a more specific F10.2 code fits instead, such as F10.21 for remission.

### What's the difference between F10.20 and F10.90?

F10.90 is for alcohol use that the record doesn't call abuse or dependence. Use F10.20 when dependence, or moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, is documented. The Excludes1 note on F10.20 lists the F10.9- codes, so the two are not reported together.

### Is F10.20 a billable code?

Yes. F10.20 is a billable ICD-10-CM code in the ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026) code set.

## From the source

Official description from [CMS](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/icd-10-codes).
ICD-10-CM FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026).

Code set

ICD-10-CM

Category

F10 Alcohol related disorders

Chapter

Mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders

Billable

Yes

Educational reference only. Not medical, legal, or billing advice. Always check the current official code set and payer policy before you bill. [About BillingBrief and our sources](https://billingbrief.com/about/).