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ICD-10 Coding for Neurofibroma(Q85.01, Q85.02)

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

Also known as:

NF1NF2Peripheral nerve sheath tumor

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Neurofibroma

Q85.0-Q85.9Primary Range

Phakomatoses, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for neurofibromatosis types, which are essential for coding neurofibroma.

Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system

Used when there is suspicion of malignancy in neurofibromas.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q85.01Neurofibromatosis, type 1Use when NF1 is confirmed through clinical criteria or genetic testing.
  • Genetic test confirming NF1 mutation
  • Presence of ≥6 café-au-lait spots >5 mm in prepubertal individuals
Q85.02Neurofibromatosis, type 2Use when NF2 is confirmed through clinical criteria or imaging.
  • Bilateral vestibular schwannomas confirmed by MRI

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 neurofibroma

Essential facts and insights about Neurofibroma

The ICD-10 code for neurofibroma is Q85.01 for Neurofibromatosis type 1 and Q85.02 for Neurofibromatosis type 2.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neurofibroma

Neurofibromatosis, type 1
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ≥6 café-au-lait spots and genetic confirmation

Applicable To

  • Von Recklinghausen's disease

Excludes

  • Neurofibromatosis, type 2 (Q85.02)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Genetic test confirming NF1 mutation
  • Presence of ≥6 café-au-lait spots >5 mm in prepubertal individuals

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using unspecified codes when specific diagnosis is confirmed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes genetic test results and specific clinical findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Family history of neurofibromatosis

Z84.81
Use when there is a documented family history of NF1.

Differential Codes

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

Neurofibromatosis, type 2

Q85.02
NF2 is characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas.

Neurofibromatosis, type 1

Q85.01
NF1 is characterized by skin manifestations and optic gliomas.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Neurofibroma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q85.01.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed descriptions of skin findings., Use specific measurements and locations.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use specific codes like Q85.01 or Q85.02 when diagnosis is confirmed.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific diagnosis is confirmed.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Neurofibroma

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

NF1 Surveillance

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Genetic test results

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: "Worsening back pain; new numbness in L3 dermatome." **Objective**: Skin: 8 café-au-lait macules (7 mm on abdomen; Wood’s lamp positive) **Neuro**: 2/5 strength L quadriceps; diminished pinprick sensation L3-L4 **Imaging**: MRI spine – 4.2 cm paraspinal neurofibroma compressing L3 nerve root **Assessment**: NF1 (Q85.01) with symptomatic lumbar plexiform neurofibroma **Plan**: Surgical consult for 64792; pre-op LVEF (per Koselugo® protocol)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Remove skin tumors.
Good Documentation Example
Excision of 18 neurofibromas (0.5–3 cm) from right sciatic nerve causing radiculopathy; intraoperative nerve monitoring used [CPT 64790].
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, including size and location of neurofibromas, which supports accurate coding and billing.

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