ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for grief
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Grief”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding grief
The ICD-10-CM code for grief is F43.21 (Adjustment disorder with depressed mood). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on F43.21.
Within F43.2 (adjustment disorders), F43.21 is specifically for adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Related codes cover disorder, unspecified (F43.20), disorder with anxiety (F43.22), disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood (F43.23), disorder with disturbance of conduct (F43.24), disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct (F43.25) and disorder with other symptoms (F43.29).
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 881 (Depressive Neuroses, relative weight 0.895), 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 grief codes (official index)
Common questions about grief ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for grief?
- F43.21 — Adjustment disorder with depressed mood. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: F43.81, F43.81, F43.20.
What is the ICD-10 code for complicated grief?
- F43.81 — Prolonged grief disorder.
What is the ICD-10 code for prolonged grief?
- F43.81 — Prolonged grief disorder.
What is the ICD-10 code for reaction grief?
- F43.20 — Adjustment disorder, unspecified.
Is F43.21 billable?
- Yes. F43.21 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can F43.21 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict F43.21 as a principal diagnosis.
Is F43.21 a CC or MCC?
- No. F43.21 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.