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ICD-10 Coding for Benign Essential Tremor(G25.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benign Essential Tremor. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Familial TremorHereditary Tremor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Essential Tremor

G25.0Primary Range

Essential tremor

Primary code for benign essential tremor, including familial and hereditary tremors.

Tremor, unspecified

Used when tremor is not specified as essential.

Drug-induced tremor

Used for tremors induced by medications such as lithium.

Other dystonia

Used when dystonic tremor is present.

Parkinson’s disease

Differential diagnosis for tremors with rest tremor and rigidity.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for benign essential tremor

Essential facts and insights about Benign Essential Tremor

The ICD-10 code for benign essential tremor is G25.0, covering familial and hereditary tremors.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for benign essential tremor

Essential tremor
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of postural or kinetic tremor without rest tremor.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed family history supporting hereditary tremor.

Applicable To

  • Familial tremor
  • Hereditary tremor

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Postural or kinetic tremor in hands or arms
  • Absence of other neurological signs
  • Family history of tremor

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis with Parkinson’s disease
  • Incorrect coding if tremor type is unspecified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'essential tremor' to avoid defaulting to R25.1.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Tremor, unspecified

R25.1
Use when tremor type is not specified as essential.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Parkinson’s disease

G20
Presence of rest tremor and rigidity.

Drug-induced tremor

G25.1
Temporal association with medication use.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benign Essential Tremor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G25.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues due to incorrect coding., Financial: Claims may be denied or delayed.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of tremor characteristics., Verify family history and clinical findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Review medication history to determine if tremor is related to drug use.

Impact

Lack of specificity in tremor documentation can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of detailed documentation for tremor types.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Benign Essential Tremor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Essential Tremor

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Benign Essential Tremor. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Patient with bilateral hand tremor

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of tremor onset and progression
  • Family history of tremor
  • Neurological examination findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 5-year history of bilateral hand tremor, worsening with action. No rest tremor or rigidity observed. Family history positive for similar tremors.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has tremors.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits bilateral postural hand tremor during action, family history of essential tremor.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Benign Essential Tremor? Ask your questions below.

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