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ICD-10 Coding for Central Pain Syndrome(G89.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Central Pain Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Thalamic Pain SyndromeCentral Post-Stroke Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Central Pain Syndrome

G89-G99Primary Range

Other disorders of the nervous system

Includes codes for pain not elsewhere classified, including central pain syndrome.

Cerebrovascular diseases

Includes codes for underlying conditions like stroke that may cause central pain syndrome.

Other degenerative diseases of the nervous system

Includes codes for conditions like multiple sclerosis that may be associated with central pain syndrome.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for central pain syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Central Pain Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for central pain syndrome is G89.0, used when pain is linked to CNS damage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for central pain syndrome

Central pain syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of CNS damage with pain symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'central pain syndrome' in medical records

Applicable To

  • Central pain syndrome due to CNS damage

Excludes

  • Chronic pain syndrome (G89.4)
  • Pain NOS (R52)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Explicit documentation of central pain syndrome
  • Neurological exam showing hyperalgesia
  • Imaging confirming CNS damage

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with chronic pain syndrome (G89.4)
  • Using without documented CNS etiology

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links pain to CNS damage and specifies the underlying condition.

Ancillary Codes

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

Multiple sclerosis

G35
Use when multiple sclerosis is the underlying cause of central pain syndrome.

Cerebral infarction, unspecified

I63.9
Use when stroke is the underlying cause of central pain syndrome.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic pain syndrome

G89.4
G89.4 is used for chronic pain without a specific CNS etiology.

Pain, unspecified

R52
R52 is used for undifferentiated pain not linked to CNS damage.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Central Pain Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G89.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates that prompt for CNS linkage.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims if CNS etiology is not documented., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate medical records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure CNS damage is documented and linked to the pain syndrome.

Impact

Risk of audit if CNS damage is not documented with G89.0.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all records explicitly link pain to CNS damage.

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 Central Pain Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Central Pain Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Central Pain Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Pain characteristics
  • CNS correlation
  • Functional impact

Example Documentation

**Pain Characteristics:** Onset: 6 months post-stroke, Quality: Burning pain, Location: Left side. **CNS Correlation:** MRI shows thalamic infarct. **Functional Impact:** PEG Scale: Pain 7/10.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chronic pain noted.
Good Documentation Example
Central pain syndrome post-stroke with burning pain and MRI-confirmed thalamic infarct.
Explanation
The good example provides specific linkage to CNS damage and detailed pain characteristics.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Central Pain Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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