ICD-10 Code F40.232 – Fear of other medical care (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F40.232 – Fear of other medical care
What it is
F40.232 identifies a specific phobia involving fear of medical care other than the usual fear of injections or other single procedures. Use it when the chart documents persistent, excessive fear tied to medical settings or care.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you may see marked anxiety, avoidance of appointments, or distress that is out of proportion to the actual medical situation and interferes with care.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents fear of medical care as the reason for avoidance, refusal, or significant distress during needed evaluation or treatment. It fits when the fear is specific and not better explained by a broader anxiety disorder. Check documentation if the note only says “anxious” or “nervous” without a clear phobia.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for general anxiety, fear of needles, or other separately documented phobias unless the record clearly states fear of other medical care. Check documentation when the exact focus of fear is unclear.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider links the fear to medical care and documents it as a distinct phobia.