Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM F17.20 is the diagnosis code for Nicotine dependence, unspecified. This code falls under the section "Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use" within Chapter 5 — Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.
Understanding where F17.20 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, F17.20 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
F17.20 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Nicotine dependence, unspecified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
The parent code of F17.20 is F17.2 ("Nicotine dependence"). F17.20 provides a more specific classification within this category.
F17.20 is located in Section F10-F19 — "Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use" within Chapter 5 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
F17.20 has 5 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: F17.200, F17.201, F17.203, F17.208, F17.209.
Use F17.20 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Nicotine dependence, unspecified" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Nicotine dependence, unspecified is F17.20.
No, F17.20 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
F17.20 is in Chapter 5 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, F17.20 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.