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ICD-10 Coding for Neurofibromatosis Type 1(Q85.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

NF1von Recklinghausen's disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Q85.0-Q85.9Primary Range

Phakomatoses, not elsewhere classified

This range includes neurofibromatosis type 1 and related conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for neurofibromatosis type 1

Essential facts and insights about Neurofibromatosis Type 1

The ICD-10 code for neurofibromatosis type 1 is Q85.01, used when diagnosis is confirmed by NIH criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis, type 1
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ≥2 NIH criteria for NF1

coding Criteria

  • Use Q85.01 as primary code when NF1 is confirmed

Applicable To

  • von Recklinghausen's disease

Excludes

  • Neurofibromatosis, type 2 (Q85.02)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • NIH criteria for NF1: ≥6 café-au-lait macules, axillary/inguinal freckling, ≥2 neurofibromas, optic glioma, Lisch nodules, distinctive osseous lesion, first-degree relative with NF1

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not all NIH criteria are documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation meets NIH criteria for NF1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Café-au-lait spots

L81.3
Use to document specific skin manifestations of NF1.

Optic pathway glioma

D33.3
Use when optic glioma is present in NF1 patients.

Differential Codes

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

Neurofibromatosis, type 2

Q85.02
Presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas differentiates NF2 from NF1.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Neurofibromatosis Type 1 to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q85.01.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of NF1., Regulatory: Potential audit risk., Financial: May affect reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates for NF1 documentation., Regular training on NIH criteria for NF1.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment if NF1 is not coded., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient's condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Always link skin findings to NF1 diagnosis.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of NIH criteria.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all NIH criteria are documented in patient records.

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 Neurofibromatosis Type 1, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Neurofibromatosis Type 1. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial diagnosis of NF1

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Genetic testing results
  • Imaging studies

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 7 café-au-lait macules, axillary freckling, and optic glioma confirmed on MRI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has NF1.
Good Documentation Example
NF1 confirmed with 8 café-au-lait macules, axillary freckling, and optic glioma on MRI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific NIH criteria met, supporting the NF1 diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Neurofibromatosis Type 1? Ask your questions below.

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