ICD-10 Coding for History of Seizure(Z86.79, G40.909, R56.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Seizure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to History of Seizure
Z86.79Primary Range
Personal history of other diseases of the nervous system
Used for documenting a resolved history of seizures without current treatment.
Convulsions, not elsewhere classified
Used for acute seizure events without a confirmed epilepsy diagnosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z86.79 | Personal history of other diseases of the nervous system | Use when documenting a patient's resolved history of seizures with no current treatment. |
|
| G40.909 | Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus | Use for active management of epilepsy. |
|
| R56.9 | Unspecified convulsions | Use for acute seizure events without a confirmed diagnosis. |
|
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 history of seizure
Essential facts and insights about History of Seizure
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of seizure
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Patient has been seizure-free for over a year without medication.
coding Criteria
- No active epilepsy diagnosis present.
Applicable To
- History of resolved seizures
Clinical Validation Requirements
- No seizures in the past 12 months
- No antiepileptic drugs prescribed
- Resolved etiology (e.g., post-stroke)
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding active epilepsy as history
Coding Notes
- Ensure the patient's seizure history is resolved and not currently under treatment.
G40.909 - Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus
Use for active management of epilepsy.
Applicable To
- Epileptic seizures
Excludes
- History of epilepsy (Z86.79)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- EEG abnormalities
- Ongoing antiepileptic drug use
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports active epilepsy management.
R56.9 - Unspecified convulsions
Use for acute seizure events without a confirmed diagnosis.
Applicable To
- Seizure NOS
Excludes
- Epilepsy (G40.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- First-time seizure event
- No prior epilepsy diagnosis
Coding Notes
Ensure the seizure event is acute and not part of a known epilepsy condition.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Seizure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.79.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of seizure control., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the last seizure date., Review patient history thoroughly.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify the patient's current treatment and seizure status before coding.
Impact
Risk of coding errors due to unclear documentation of seizure status.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of seizure history and current status.
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 History of Seizure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for History of Seizure
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Seizure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Resolved Seizure History
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Seizure type and frequency
- Last seizure date
- Current medication status
- EEG results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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