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ICD-10 Coding for Cold Intolerance(R68.89, G90.8, T33.5)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cold Intolerance. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cold SensitivityCold Hypersensitivity

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cold Intolerance

R68.8-R68.89Primary Range

Other general symptoms and signs

Used for symptoms like cold intolerance when no specific underlying condition is diagnosed.

Other disorders of the nervous system

Includes codes for autonomic neuropathy which may present with cold intolerance.

Superficial frostbite

Used when cold intolerance is a sequela of frostbite.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R68.89Other specified general symptoms and signsUse when cold intolerance is present without a definitive underlying diagnosis.
  • CISS score ≥50
  • Objective testing like QST or LASCA
G90.8Other disorders of autonomic nervous systemUse when cold intolerance is due to autonomic neuropathy.
  • Documented autonomic neuropathy
  • Abnormal QST or LASCA results
T33.5Frostbite of other and unspecified sitesUse when cold intolerance is a sequela of frostbite.
  • History of frostbite
  • Persistent cold sensitivity

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 cold intolerance

Essential facts and insights about Cold Intolerance

The ICD-10 code for cold intolerance is R68.89, used when no specific underlying condition is diagnosed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cold intolerance

Other specified general symptoms and signs
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No specific underlying condition diagnosed.

documentation Criteria

  • CISS score and objective test results documented.

Applicable To

  • Cold intolerance without a specific diagnosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CISS score ≥50
  • Objective testing like QST or LASCA

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect use if underlying condition is diagnosed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the use of R68.89 by excluding other specific diagnoses.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other disorders of autonomic nervous system

G90.8
Use when cold intolerance is due to autonomic neuropathy.

Differential Codes

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

Chills without fever

R68.83
Used for chills without fever, not for cold intolerance.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cold Intolerance to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R68.89.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate assessment of symptom severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure CISS score is recorded at each visit.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use R68.89 for cold intolerance without fever.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of QST or LASCA results.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all test results are clearly documented in the patient's record.

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 Cold Intolerance, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cold Intolerance

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cold Intolerance. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology evaluation for cold intolerance

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • CISS score
  • QST results
  • Occupational history
  • LASCA findings

Example Documentation

Patient reports CISS score 78/100 with >30 min rewarming time post-cold exposure. LASCA shows 45% perfusion reduction in digits.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cold hands, worse in winter.
Good Documentation Example
CISS Score: 82/100 (severe). QST Findings: CDT 18°C (abnormal), CPT 8°C. Occupational History: Daily vibration tool use x9 years. LASCA: 32% perfusion deficit in dominant hand.
Explanation
The good example provides specific scores and test results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cold Intolerance? Ask your questions below.

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