Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Paresthesia of Skin(R20.2)

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

Also known as:

Skin TinglingPins and Needles Sensation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Paresthesia of Skin

R20.0-R20.9Primary Range

Disturbances of skin sensation

This range includes codes for various types of skin sensation disturbances, including paresthesia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for paresthesia of skin

Essential facts and insights about Paresthesia of Skin

The ICD-10 code for paresthesia of skin is R20.2, used for tingling sensations without a confirmed cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for paresthesia of skin

Paresthesia of skin
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of tingling or pins and needles sensation without a confirmed cause.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed symptom description including location, duration, and triggers.

Applicable To

  • Tingling
  • Pins and needles

Excludes

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (G56.0)
  • Diabetic neuropathy (E11.42)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Detailed patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Nerve conduction studies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse when a more specific code is available
  • Lack of documentation on symptom specifics

Coding Notes

  • Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and any related conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb

G56.01
Use when paresthesia is due to confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathy

E11.42
Use when paresthesia is associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Differential Codes

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

Hypoesthesia of skin

R20.1
Use R20.1 for decreased sensation rather than tingling.

Other disturbances of skin sensation

R20.8
Use R20.8 for mixed or other unspecified sensory disturbances.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Paresthesia of Skin to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R20.2.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G56.01 for carpal tunnel syndrome and R20.2 as secondary if needed.

Impact

Using R20.2 as primary when an underlying condition is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough review of patient history and symptoms.

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

Documentation Templates for Paresthesia of Skin

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

Patient with unexplained tingling in extremities

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Location of symptoms
  • Duration and frequency
  • Associated symptoms
  • Physical examination findings

Example Documentation

Patient reports 3-week history of intermittent tingling in both hands, worse at night. No weakness or visible skin changes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of tingling.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports daily episodes of tingling in both hands, lasting 10 minutes, exacerbated by typing.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on location, duration, and triggers, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Paresthesia of Skin? 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