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ICD-10 Coding for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome(G40.811, G40.812, G40.813, G40.814)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

LGSEpileptic Encephalopathy with Multiple Seizure Types

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

G40.811-G40.814Primary Range

Epileptic syndromes with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

This range specifically covers Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, differentiating by intractability and status epilepticus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G40.811Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, not intractable, with status epilepticusUse when LGS is not intractable but includes status epilepticus.
  • EEG confirms slow spike-wave (1.5-2.5 Hz) and generalized paroxysmal fast activity
  • Status epilepticus duration ≥5 mins documented
G40.812Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, not intractable, without status epilepticusUse when LGS is not intractable and does not include status epilepticus.
  • ≥2 seizure types documented (e.g., tonic and atonic)
  • No failure of ≥2 ASMs at therapeutic doses
G40.813Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, intractable, with status epilepticusUse when LGS is intractable and includes status epilepticus.
  • Documented failure of ≥2 ASMs
  • Status epilepticus requiring ICU intervention
G40.814Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticusUse when LGS is intractable and does not include status epilepticus.
  • ≥3 ASM failures with dosage/duration specifics
  • Video EEG showing ≥3 seizure types

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 Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

The ICD-10 codes for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome are G40.811 to G40.814, categorized by intractability and status epilepticus.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lennox gastaut syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, not intractable, with status epilepticus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of status epilepticus with documented EEG findings

Applicable To

  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome with status epilepticus

Excludes

  • Other epileptic syndromes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • EEG confirms slow spike-wave (1.5-2.5 Hz) and generalized paroxysmal fast activity
  • Status epilepticus duration ≥5 mins documented

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as intractable without proper documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure EEG and status epilepticus documentation are present.

Ancillary Codes

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

Post-traumatic seizures

R56.1
Use if head trauma precedes LGS diagnosis.

Moderate intellectual disabilities

F71
Use if intellectual disability is confirmed by neuropsych testing.

Encounter for psychiatric assessment

Z00.6
Use for behavioral comorbidities.

Severe intellectual disabilities

F72
Use if severe intellectual disability is confirmed by neuropsych testing.

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 G40.909 for unspecified epilepsy without specific LGS characteristics.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G40.811.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical picture of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed seizure type and frequency, Document medication trials and responses

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the specific LGS diagnosis with EEG and seizure type details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims for intractable epilepsy., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient's clinical status.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document failure of at least two ASMs at therapeutic doses.

Impact

High risk of audits for incorrect intractability coding without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation of ASM failures and seizure frequency.

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 Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Seizure types and frequency
  • EEG results
  • Medication history
  • Developmental status

Example Documentation

Assessment: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, intractable (failed rufinamide 45 mg/kg/day ×6mo, cannabidiol 25 mg/kg/day ×4mo). Current seizure frequency: Tonic (4/day), atonic (2/day), atypical absence (8/day). EEG 3/25/25: Generalized 2Hz spike-wave, 12Hz paroxysmal fast activity in NREM sleep. Developmental status: Vineland-3 score 65 (severe impairment). Plan: Admit for VNS titration per LGS protocol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Seizures worse, needs new med
Good Documentation Example
Breakthrough tonic seizures (6/day) persist despite lacosamide 200mg BID ×8wks; EEG shows increased GPFA duration to 20sec
Explanation
The good example provides specific seizure frequency, medication details, and EEG findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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