When are appropriate codes for "in remission" assigned for mental and behavioral disorders due to substance use?

The appropriate codes for "in remission" in the context of mental and behavioral disorders due to substance use are assigned when a physician documents it appropriately. This is crucial because accurate coding relies significantly on clinical documentation by qualified healthcare providers. A physician's note reflects an informed evaluation of the patient's condition, including their treatment progress and any signs of remission. This ensures that the coding adheres to guidelines set forth, which mandate that only a licensed professional's assessment can substantiate the use of specific remission codes.

Self-reporting from patients, while valuable as a part of their overall assessment, doesn't carry the same weight in clinical coding without the backing of a physician's documentation. Additionally, a formal diagnosis is often required before remission status can be established and coded, and family history of substance use does not directly correlate to an individual’s current condition or the appropriateness of coding their remission status. Therefore, it is the physician's thorough documentation that validates the code for "in remission."