Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Essential Tremor(G25.0, G25.1)

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

Also known as:

Familial TremorBenign Essential Tremor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Essential Tremor

G25.0-G25.9Primary Range

Other Extrapyramidal and Movement Disorders

This range includes codes for various movement disorders, with G25.0 specifically for essential tremor.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G25.0Essential TremorUse when essential tremor is confirmed by clinical criteria, including family history and response to treatment.
  • Bilateral action tremor
  • Family history of tremor
  • Response to propranolol or alcohol
  • + 1 more
G25.1Drug-induced tremorUse when tremor is directly linked to medication use.
  • Tremor onset after starting medication
  • Improvement upon discontinuation of the drug

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 essential tremor

Essential facts and insights about Essential Tremor

The ICD-10 code for essential tremor is G25.0, used when confirmed by clinical criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for essential tremor

Essential Tremor
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilateral action tremor and family history

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of tremor characteristics and response to treatment

Applicable To

  • Familial tremor
  • Benign essential tremor

Excludes

  • Drug-induced tremor (G25.1)
  • Parkinson's disease (G20)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bilateral action tremor
  • Family history of tremor
  • Response to propranolol or alcohol
  • Absence of Parkinsonian symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with Parkinson's disease
  • Misclassification as drug-induced tremor

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific clinical findings to support the use of G25.0.

Ancillary Codes

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

Tremor, unspecified

R25.1
Use when essential tremor cannot be confirmed and further evaluation is pending.

Differential Codes

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

Drug-induced tremor

G25.1
Use G25.1 if tremor onset is linked to medication use.

Tremor, unspecified

R25.1
Use R25.1 if the tremor is undiagnosed or awaiting further evaluation.

Essential tremor

G25.0
Differentiate based on drug use history and response to medication changes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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 or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized scales for tremor assessment, Include detailed family and treatment history

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use R25.1 until bilateral involvement is confirmed.

Impact

Inadequate documentation may lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of tremor characteristics and family history.

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 Essential Tremor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Essential Tremor

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

Neurology Clinic Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of tremor
  • Family history
  • Response to treatment
  • Tremor characteristics

Example Documentation

**HPI:** 62M with 8-year history of progressive bilateral hand tremor, worse with writing. Brother with similar tremor. No relief with caffeine reduction. **Exam:** Postural tremor amplitude 2 cm, no rigidity/bradykinesia. Archimedes spiral: moderate severity. **Assessment:** Essential tremor (G25.0). TETRAS score: 40. **Plan:** Start propranolol 20 mg BID.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hand tremors.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral postural tremor in hands (TETRAS score 35), no Parkinsonian features, family history of ET.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and family history, supporting the diagnosis of essential tremor.

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more