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

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

Also known as:

NF1NF2Von Recklinghausen's disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Neurofibromatosis

Q85.0-Q85.9Primary Range

Phakomatoses, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, which are the primary conditions discussed.

Benign neoplasm of brain and other parts of central nervous system

Includes codes for benign tumors like optic gliomas, which are common in NF1.

Benign neoplasm of other and unspecified sites

Includes codes for plexiform neurofibromas, which are associated with NF1.

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 by clinical criteria or genetic testing.
  • Six or more café-au-lait macules
  • Two or more neurofibromas or one plexiform neurofibroma
  • Axillary or inguinal freckling
  • + 2 more
Q85.02Neurofibromatosis, type 2Use when NF2 is confirmed by clinical criteria or genetic testing.
  • Bilateral vestibular schwannomas
  • Family history of NF2
  • Meningiomas or ependymomas

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 neurofibromatosis

Essential facts and insights about Neurofibromatosis

The ICD-10 code for neurofibromatosis type 1 is Q85.01, requiring documentation of specific clinical criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis, type 1
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of two or more NIH criteria for NF1.

Applicable To

  • Von Recklinghausen's disease

Excludes

  • Neurofibromatosis, type 2 (Q85.02)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Six or more café-au-lait macules
  • Two or more neurofibromas or one plexiform neurofibroma
  • Axillary or inguinal freckling
  • Optic glioma
  • Two or more Lisch nodules

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if clinical criteria are not fully documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure all NIH criteria are documented to support the use of this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Benign neoplasm of cranial nerves

D33.3
Use for optic gliomas associated with NF1.

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.

Neurofibromatosis, type 1

Q85.01
Presence of café-au-lait spots and Lisch nodules.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Neurofibromatosis 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 denied claims or audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific clinical criteria in documentation., Ensure all relevant findings are recorded.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific criteria for NF1 or NF2 are documented and use Q85.01 or Q85.02 accordingly.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific criteria and use the most specific code available.

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

Documentation Templates for Neurofibromatosis

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

NF1 with optic glioma

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Clinical criteria for NF1
  • Imaging results for optic glioma
  • Genetic testing results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with six café-au-lait macules, axillary freckling, and optic glioma confirmed by MRI. Genetic testing shows NF1 mutation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has neurofibromatosis.
Good Documentation Example
Patient meets NIH criteria for NF1 with six café-au-lait spots and optic glioma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific criteria supporting the NF1 diagnosis.

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

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