Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Neuropathy of Lower Extremities(G57.30, E11.42)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Neuropathy of Lower Extremities. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Peripheral Neuropathy of Lower LimbsDiabetic Neuropathy of Legs

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Neuropathy of Lower Extremities

G57-G62Primary Range

Mononeuropathies and Polyneuropathies

This range includes codes for various neuropathies affecting the lower extremities, including specific nerve involvements and diabetic neuropathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G57.30Lesion of peroneal nerve, unspecified lower limbUse when peroneal nerve involvement is confirmed but laterality is not specified.
  • EMG showing peroneal nerve involvement
  • Clinical examination confirming foot drop
E11.42Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathyUse for patients with Type 2 diabetes and documented polyneuropathy.
  • HbA1c >6.5%
  • Bilateral sensory deficits on monofilament test

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 neuropathy lower extremities

Essential facts and insights about Neuropathy of Lower Extremities

The ICD-10 code for neuropathy of lower extremities includes G57.30 for peroneal neuropathy and E11.42 for diabetic polyneuropathy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for neuropathy lower extremities

Lesion of peroneal nerve, unspecified lower limb
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of foot drop and sensory loss in peroneal nerve distribution

Applicable To

  • Foot drop
  • Numbness in lateral calf

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • EMG showing peroneal nerve involvement
  • Clinical examination confirming foot drop

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if laterality is known but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies nerve involvement and symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic pain due to trauma

G89.21
Use when chronic pain is a significant component of the neuropathy.

Long-term (current) use of insulin

Z79.4
Use if the patient is on insulin therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Lesion of peroneal nerve, right lower limb

G57.31
Use when right-sided involvement is confirmed.

Lesion of peroneal nerve, left lower limb

G57.32
Use when left-sided involvement is confirmed.

Unspecified polyneuropathy

G62.9
Use when neuropathy is not linked to diabetes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Neuropathy of Lower Extremities to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G57.30.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify right, left, or bilateral involvement, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of higher reimbursement associated with diabetic complications., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for diabetes-related conditions., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on diabetes complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E11.42 when neuropathy is due to diabetes.

Impact

Failure to link diabetes and neuropathy can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation linking diabetes and neuropathy.

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 Neuropathy of Lower Extremities, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Neuropathy of Lower Extremities

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Neuropathy of Lower Extremities. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diabetic Neuropathy Evaluation

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Foot examination
  • Nerve conduction studies

Example Documentation

Patient with Type 2 DM presents with burning pain in feet. Monofilament test shows decreased sensation. HbA1c is 8.2%.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diabetic with foot pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with Type 2 DM (HbA1c 8.2%) reports burning pain in feet. Monofilament test shows decreased sensation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diabetes control data and detailed sensory findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Neuropathy of Lower Extremities? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more