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ICD-10 Coding for Febrile Seizure(R56.00, R56.01)

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

Also known as:

Febrile ConvulsionFever Seizure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Febrile Seizure

R56.0-R56.9Primary Range

Convulsions, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for febrile seizures, both simple and complex.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R56.00Simple febrile convulsionsUse when the seizure is generalized, lasts less than 15 minutes, and does not recur within 24 hours.
  • Single episode lasting less than 15 minutes
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
  • No focal neurological signs
R56.01Complex febrile convulsionsUse when the seizure is prolonged, has focal features, or recurs within 24 hours.
  • Seizure duration over 15 minutes
  • Presence of focal neurological signs
  • Recurrence within 24 hours

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 febrile seizure

Essential facts and insights about Febrile Seizure

The ICD-10 code for a simple febrile seizure is R56.00, while R56.01 is used for complex febrile seizures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for febrile seizure

Simple febrile convulsions
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Seizure is generalized and lasts less than 15 minutes

documentation Criteria

  • No focal neurological signs documented

Applicable To

  • Single episode
  • Generalized seizure

Excludes

  • Complex febrile convulsions (R56.01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Single episode lasting less than 15 minutes
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
  • No focal neurological signs

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if seizure duration or recurrence is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of focal features and recurrence.

Ancillary Codes

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

Postvaccination fever

T88.1
Use when fever occurs within 72 hours of vaccination and is linked to the seizure.

Differential Codes

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

Complex febrile convulsions

R56.01
Use R56.01 if the seizure lasts more than 15 minutes, has focal features, or recurs within 24 hours.

Simple febrile convulsions

R56.00
Use R56.00 if the seizure is generalized, lasts less than 15 minutes, and does not recur within 24 hours.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Febrile Seizure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R56.00.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical assessment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates, Educate staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of seizure duration, focality, and recurrence.

Impact

Incomplete documentation of seizure characteristics can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices and regular audits.

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 Febrile Seizure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Febrile Seizure

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

Febrile seizure in pediatric patient

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Seizure duration
  • Focal features
  • Recurrence
  • Fever documentation

Example Documentation

Patient presented with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 10 minutes. Fever recorded at 39°C. No focal neurological signs observed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Seizure with fever.
Good Documentation Example
Generalized seizure lasting 10 minutes with fever of 39°C, no focal signs.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Febrile Seizure? Ask your questions below.

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