ICD-10 Coding for Cerebellar Ataxia(G11.10, G11.11, G11.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cerebellar Ataxia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cerebellar Ataxia
G11.0-G11.9Primary Range
Hereditary ataxia
This range includes various forms of hereditary ataxia, including early-onset and specific genetic types.
Symptoms involving nervous and musculoskeletal systems
This range includes codes for symptoms like unsteadiness on feet, which may be used when specific ataxia types are not confirmed.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G11.10 | Early-onset cerebellar ataxia, unspecified | Use when early-onset cerebellar ataxia is diagnosed but specific type is not identified. |
|
| G11.11 | Friedreich ataxia | Use when genetic testing confirms Friedreich ataxia. |
|
| G11.3 | Cerebellar ataxia with defective DNA repair | Use when cerebellar ataxia is due to a genetic disorder affecting DNA repair. |
|
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 cerebellar ataxia
Essential facts and insights about Cerebellar Ataxia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cerebellar ataxia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Early onset of cerebellar symptoms without specific genetic confirmation
Applicable To
- Unspecified early-onset cerebellar ataxia
Excludes
- Friedreich ataxia (G11.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Clinical documentation excluding Friedreich ataxia
- Early onset of symptoms
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if specific type is known
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation excludes Friedreich ataxia.
G11.11 - Friedreich ataxia
Use when genetic testing confirms Friedreich ataxia.
Applicable To
- Friedreich's ataxia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Genetic testing confirming FXN gene mutation
- Presence of cardiomyopathy and pes cavus
Coding Notes
Ensure genetic confirmation is documented.
G11.3 - Cerebellar ataxia with defective DNA repair
Use when cerebellar ataxia is due to a genetic disorder affecting DNA repair.
Applicable To
- Ataxia-telangiectasia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of genetic disorder affecting DNA repair
- Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels
Coding Notes
Document genetic disorder affecting DNA repair.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Unsteadiness on feet
R26.81Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cerebellar Ataxia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G11.10.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure genetic testing is ordered and results documented., Educate staff on documentation standards.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement levels., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation explicitly excludes Friedreich ataxia before using G11.10.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for duplicate billing., Compliance: Violation of coding guidelines., Data Quality: Redundant data entry.
Mitigation Strategy
Avoid using R26.81 if ataxia is already coded with G11.11.
Impact
Lack of documentation for genetic testing in hereditary ataxia cases.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory documentation checks for genetic testing results.
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 Cerebellar Ataxia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cerebellar Ataxia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cerebellar Ataxia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Friedreich Ataxia Diagnosis
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Genetic testing results
- SARA score
- MRI findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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