ICD-10 Code F40.233 – Fear of injury (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F40.233 – Fear of injury
What it is
Fear of injury is an anxiety disorder code used when a person has an excessive, persistent fear of being hurt. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger and leads to avoidance or distress.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see marked anxiety, avoidance of situations viewed as risky, and distress when exposure is unavoidable.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly documents fear of injury as the reason for the encounter or as a diagnosed condition. It may apply when the patient avoids activities, places, or tasks because of an irrational fear of getting hurt. Check documentation for severity and whether the fear is primary.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for general pain, actual injury, or routine safety concerns without a documented phobic fear. Do not assign it if the chart only mentions anxiety and the specific fear is not stated.
Coding tip
Code only when the clinician documents fear of injury explicitly; if the wording is unclear, check documentation.