Neurological disorders or diseases of the brain, spine, and the nerves that connect them affect millions of people each year. Neurological disorders are diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system – in other words, the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. The signs of neurological disorders can vary significantly, depending upon the type of disorder as well as the specific area of the body that is affected. In some instances, patients might experience emotional symptoms while in other cases physical symptoms may be the result. When it comes to reporting symptoms and diagnoses of different neurology conditions, physicians can depend on reliable medical billing and coding companies. Reputable companies will have skilled medical coding service providers who are knowledgeable in the codes and other related guidelines, and can easily manage the coding and claim submission processes.
Here discussed are the top three neurological disorders and their related ICD-10 codes –
Parkinson’s disease (PD) – Regarded as a chronic and progressive disorder of the nervous system, PD involves progressive damage of the brain over many years. The condition leads to progressive deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Reports suggest that about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year. Symptoms of this neurodegenerative disorder often begin on one side of your body. The initial symptoms of PD may vary from one person to another and may often be mild that get unnoticed. The condition develops gradually, (beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand). It can also cause stiffness or slowing of movement. Some of the other common signs and symptoms include – slowed movement (bradykinesia), rigid muscles, speech changes, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements and writing changes. There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Based on patient medical history, neurologists will conduct a detailed review of symptoms along with a neurological and physical examination. Medications can people better manage problems with walking, movement and tremor. ICD-10 codes for diagnosing PD include –
- G20 Parkinson’s disease
- G21 Secondary parkinsonism
- G21.0 Malignant neuroleptic syndrome
- G21.1 Other drug-induced secondary parkinsonism
- G21.11 Neuroleptic induced parkinsonism
- G21.19 Other drug induced secondary parkinsonism
- G21.2 Secondary parkinsonism due to other external agents
- G21.3 Postencephalitic parkinsonism
- G21.4 Vascular parkinsonism
- G21.8 Other secondary parkinsonism
- G21.9 Secondary parkinsonism, unspecified
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) – Regarded as one of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease refers to a progressive brain disorder that causes the brain cells to degenerate. The condition impairs mental functioning and causes a continuous decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills, disrupting a person’s ability to function independently. It impacts women more than men. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that more than 5.8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s in the United States now and this number is expected to grow to 14 million by the end of 2060. Forgetting recent events or conversations can be the early signs and symptoms of the disease. However, as the disease progresses, a person with the condition will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks. In most cases, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. The exact cause of AD is not fully known. There is no specific treatment that completely cures AD or alters the disease process in the brain. Medications may temporarily improve symptoms or slow the rate of decline. ICD-10 codes for AD include –
- G30 – Alzheimer’s disease
- G30.0 – Alzheimer’s disease with early onset
- G30.1 – Alzheimer’s disease with late onset
- G30.8 – Other Alzheimer’s disease
- G30.9 – Alzheimer’s disease, unspecified
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Reports suggest that multiple sclerosis affects about 400,000 people in the United States, and about 2.5 million worldwide. The prevalence of this condition in the United States is nearly 90 cases per 100,000 people. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. However, the condition can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. Signs and symptoms of the condition may differ from one person to another and depend on the location of the affected nerve fibers. Physicians may begin their diagnosis with a physical examination and evaluation of previous medical history. Imaging tests such as lumbar puncture (spinal tap), evoked potential tests, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and blood tests will also be performed as part of the diagnosis. Treatment options include – medications, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, muscle relaxants and physical therapy exercises to reduce symptoms. ICD-10-CM codes for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) include –
- G35 – Multiple sclerosis
- G36 – Other acute disseminated demyelination
- G36.0 – Neuromyelitis optica [Devic]
- G36.1 – Acute and sub-acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis [Hurst]
- G36.8 – Other specified acute disseminated demyelination
- G36.9 – Acute disseminated demyelination, unspecified
- G37 – Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system
- G37. 0 – Diffuse sclerosis of central nervous system
- G37. 1 – Central demyelination of corpus callosum
- G37. 2 – Central pontine myelinolysis
- G37. 3 – Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system
- G37. 4 – Sub-acute necrotizing myelitis of central nervous system
- G37. 5 – Concentric sclerosis [Balo] of central nervous system
- G37. 8 – Other specified demyelinating diseases of central nervous system
- G37. 9 – Demyelinating disease of central nervous system, unspecified
For accurate and timely billing and claims submission, healthcare practices can outsource their neurology medical coding tasks to a reliable medical billing and coding company that provides the services of AAPC-certified coding specialists.
Meghann Drella possesses a profound understanding of ICD-10-CM and CPT requirements and procedures, actively participating in continuing education to stay abreast of any industry changes.