Other hypochondriacal disorders

This code represents a somatoform disorder characterized by preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance. Patients often misinterpret normal bodily sensations as evidence of disease, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Use this code when documentation indicates a persistent preoccupation with health, fear of illness, or belief in having a specific disease, without sufficient medical explanation and despite medical reassurance. This applies when the patient's symptoms do not meet the full criteria for illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) but still involve significant health-related anxiety. Documentation should clearly state "other hypochondriacal disorder" or describe symptoms consistent with this diagnosis.

• Do not use this code if the patient meets the criteria for illness anxiety disorder (F45.21).
• Ensure documentation specifies that the patient's concerns are not attributable to another mental disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Consider sequencing this code as a secondary diagnosis if a primary physical condition is being treated, but the hypochondriacal disorder significantly impacts the patient's care or quality of life.