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ICD-10 Coding for Infantile Spasms(G40.822, G40.823)

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

Also known as:

West SyndromeEpileptic Spasms

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Infantile Spasms

G40.82Primary Range

Epileptic spasms

This range covers specific codes for epileptic spasms, including infantile spasms, which are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G40.822Epileptic spasms, not intractable, without status epilepticusUse when infantile spasms are controlled with first-line therapy and no status epilepticus is present.
  • EEG showing hypsarrhythmia
  • Documented clusters of spasms
G40.823Epileptic spasms, not intractable, with status epilepticusUse when infantile spasms are accompanied by status epilepticus.
  • EEG showing hypsarrhythmia
  • Documented status epilepticus episodes

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 infantile spasms

Essential facts and insights about Infantile Spasms

The ICD-10 code for infantile spasms is G40.822 for non-intractable cases without status epilepticus.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for infantile spasms

Epileptic spasms, not intractable, without status epilepticus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hypsarrhythmia on EEG

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of spasm clusters

Applicable To

  • Non-intractable infantile spasms

Excludes

  • Intractable epileptic spasms (G40.812)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • EEG showing hypsarrhythmia
  • Documented clusters of spasms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as general epilepsy

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'epileptic spasms' and not just 'seizures'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Extreme immaturity of newborn

P07.3
Use when prematurity is a contributing factor.

Rh isoimmunization

P55.0
Use when Rh isoimmunization is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

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

Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.909
Use G40.822 for specific infantile spasms, not general epilepsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Infantile Spasms to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G40.822.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology like 'epileptic spasms'., Include detailed EEG findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G40.82- series for infantile spasms.

Impact

Lack of detailed EEG documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all EEG findings are documented in detail.

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 Infantile Spasms, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Infantile Spasms

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

Infantile Spasms Follow-Up

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Spasm frequency
  • EEG results
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

[Date] Infantile Spasms Follow-Up: Spasm Characteristics: Frequency: 8 clusters/24hr (5-12 spasms/cluster), EEG Results: Hypsarrhythmia with occipital predominance, Treatment Response: 60% reduction in spasms after 4 days of vigabatrin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Seizures improved with meds.
Good Documentation Example
Quantified 70% reduction in spasm frequency: From 25 clusters/day to 7 clusters/day post-ACTH.
Explanation
The good example provides specific data on spasm reduction, enhancing clarity and accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Infantile Spasms? Ask your questions below.

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