ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for stress
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Stress”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding stress
The ICD-10-CM code for stress is F43.9 (Reaction to severe stress, unspecified). The official index lists 11 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on F43.9.
Within F43, choose F43.9 (Reaction to severe stress, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: acute stress reaction (F43.0), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (F43.1), adjustment disorders (F43.2) and other reactions to severe stress (F43.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 882 (Neuroses Except Depressive, relative weight 0.9952), in MDC 19 (Mental Diseases and Disorders), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific stress codes (official index)
- family
- fetal P84 — Other problems with newborn
- complicating pregnancy O77.9 — Labor and delivery complicated by fetal stress, unspecified
- due to drug administration O77.1 — Fetal stress in labor or delivery due to drug administration
- mental NEC Z73.3 — Stress, not elsewhere classified
- work-related Z56.6 — Other physical and mental strain related to work
- physical NEC Z73.3 — Stress, not elsewhere classified
- work-related Z56.6 — Other physical and mental strain related to work
- polycythemia D75.1 — Secondary polycythemia
- reaction F43.9 — Reaction to severe stress, unspecified
- workplace Z56.6 — Other physical and mental strain related to work
- work schedule Z56.3 — Stressful work schedule
Common questions about stress ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for stress?
- F43.9 — Reaction to severe stress, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: P84, O77.9, O77.1, Z73.3 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for fetal stress?
- P84 — Other problems with newborn.
What is the ICD-10 code for mental nec stress?
- Z73.3 — Stress, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for physical nec stress?
- Z73.3 — Stress, not elsewhere classified.
What is the ICD-10 code for polycythemia stress?
- D75.1 — Secondary polycythemia.
What is the ICD-10 code for reaction stress?
- F43.9 — Reaction to severe stress, unspecified.
What is the ICD-10 code for workplace stress?
- Z56.6 — Other physical and mental strain related to work.
Is F43.9 billable?
- Yes. F43.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can F43.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict F43.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is F43.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. F43.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.