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ICD-10 Coding for Central Sleep Apnea(G47.31, G47.32, G47.37)

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

Also known as:

CSACentral Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Central Sleep Apnea

G47.3Primary Range

Sleep apnea

This range includes all types of sleep apnea, with specific codes for central sleep apnea.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G47.31Central sleep apneaUse when central sleep apnea is confirmed by PSG and is not secondary to another condition.
  • Polysomnography showing central apneas ≥50% of total events
  • Absence of respiratory effort during apneic events
G47.32Central sleep apnea in high altitude periodic breathingUse when central sleep apnea is due to high altitude periodic breathing.
  • Patient recently ascended to ≥2,500 meters
  • PSG shows periodic breathing pattern
G47.37Central sleep apnea in conditions classified elsewhereUse when central sleep apnea is secondary to another condition.
  • Documentation states 'Central apneas secondary to [condition]'
  • Cheyne-Stokes respiration due to heart failure

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for central sleep apnea

Essential facts and insights about Central Sleep Apnea

The ICD-10 code for central sleep apnea is G47.31, used when confirmed by PSG.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PSG confirms central apneas ≥50% of total events

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of respiratory effort during apneic events

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic central sleep apnea

Excludes

  • Pickwickian syndrome (E66.2)
  • Newborn sleep apnea (P28.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Polysomnography showing central apneas ≥50% of total events
  • Absence of respiratory effort during apneic events

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with obstructive sleep apnea
  • Using without PSG confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure PSG results are documented to support the use of this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Apnea, unspecified

R06.81
Use when documentation lacks specificity for type of apnea

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

R06.3
Use when Cheyne-Stokes respiration is present

Differential Codes

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

Obstructive sleep apnea

G47.33
Presence of respiratory effort during apneic events

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Central Sleep Apnea to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G47.31.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type of sleep apnea in documentation., Ensure PSG results are reviewed and documented.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use G47.37 + R06.3 for CSA with Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

Impact

Lack of PSG documentation for CSA claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure PSG reports are included in patient records.

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 Sleep Apnea, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Central Sleep Apnea

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

Central sleep apnea with heart failure

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • PSG results
  • AHI and CAI values
  • Underlying conditions

Example Documentation

63yo M with HFrEF (EF 30%) presents with worsening fatigue. PSG Results: Total AHI: 40 (CAI 35, OAI 5), Oxygen nadir: 82%, ≥90% central events during supine REM sleep, Periodic breathing pattern present. Impression: Central sleep apnea secondary to systolic heart failure (I50.21), Cheyne-Stokes respiration present.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has sleep apnea.
Good Documentation Example
PSG confirms central apnea index (CAI) of 25 events/hr with 80% central events; no evidence of upper airway obstruction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific PSG findings and differentiates central from obstructive apnea.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Central Sleep Apnea? Ask your questions below.

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