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ICD-10 Coding for Lewy Body Dementia(G31.83, F02.80, F02.81)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lewy Body Dementia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Dementia with Lewy BodiesDLB

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lewy Body Dementia

G31.83Primary Range

Lewy Body Disease

Primary code for diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia, indicating the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain.

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere

Used to specify the presence of dementia due to Lewy Body Disease, with or without behavioral disturbances.

Parkinson's Disease

Used when Parkinson's symptoms precede dementia by more than one year.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G31.83Lewy Body DiseaseUse when diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia with confirmed clinical features.
  • Fluctuating cognition with pronounced variations in attention and alertness
  • Recurrent visual hallucinations
  • REM sleep behavior disorder
  • + 1 more
F02.80Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbanceUse when dementia is present without behavioral disturbances.
  • Documented cognitive decline without behavioral disturbances
F02.81Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere with behavioral disturbanceUse when dementia is present with behavioral disturbances.
  • Documented cognitive decline with behavioral disturbances such as aggression or hallucinations

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 Lewy Body Dementia

Essential facts and insights about Lewy Body Dementia

The ICD-10 code for Lewy Body Dementia is G31.83, used to diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lewy body dementia

Lewy Body Disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of core clinical features such as visual hallucinations and cognitive fluctuations.

coding Criteria

  • Sequence G31.83 before F02.80/F02.81.

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific symptoms and test results supporting Lewy Body Dementia.

Applicable To

  • Dementia with Lewy bodies

Excludes

  • Parkinson's disease with dementia (G20)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fluctuating cognition with pronounced variations in attention and alertness
  • Recurrent visual hallucinations
  • REM sleep behavior disorder
  • DaTscan showing reduced dopamine transporter uptake

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with F02.80/F02.81
  • Confusion with Parkinson's disease coding

Coding Notes

Ancillary Codes

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

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbance

F02.80
Use alongside G31.83 when no behavioral disturbances are present.

Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere with behavioral disturbance

F02.81
Use alongside G31.83 when behavioral disturbances are documented.

Differential Codes

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

Parkinson's Disease

G20
Use G20 if Parkinson's symptoms precede dementia by more than one year.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lewy Body Dementia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G31.83.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential for audit and compliance issues., Financial: Risk of claim denials due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the underlying cause of dementia., Use specific codes like G31.83 for Lewy Body Dementia.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the timeline of symptom onset; use G31.83 if cognitive symptoms precede or coincide with motor symptoms.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of G31.83 and F02.81 can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules and documentation requirements.

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 Lewy Body Dementia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lewy Body Dementia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lewy Body Dementia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Cognitive assessment results
  • Description of visual hallucinations
  • Motor symptoms evaluation
  • Sleep disorder history
  • Diagnostic imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fluctuating cognition, vivid visual hallucinations, and REM sleep behavior disorder. DaTscan confirms reduced dopamine uptake.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has dementia, possibly Lewy bodies.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits fluctuating attention with periods of lucidity, vivid visual hallucinations of small animals weekly, and REM sleep behavior disorder confirmed by polysomnography.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and diagnostic evidence supporting Lewy Body Dementia.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lewy Body Dementia? Ask your questions below.

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