Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)(G90.50, G90.51)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Reflex Sympathetic DystrophyCausalgia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

G90.50-G90.59Primary Range

CRPS Type 1 without major nerve injury

This range is used for CRPS Type 1, which occurs without a confirmed peripheral nerve injury.

CRPS Type 2 with confirmed peripheral nerve injury

This range is used for CRPS Type 2, which involves a confirmed peripheral nerve injury.

Pain management codes for acute and chronic pain

These codes are used for encounters focused on pain management related to CRPS.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G90.50CRPS Type 1, unspecifiedUse when CRPS Type 1 is diagnosed but laterality is not specified.
  • Persistent pain disproportionate to inciting event
  • Budapest criteria: sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema, motor/trophic changes
G90.51CRPS Type 1 of right upper limbUse when CRPS Type 1 affects the right upper limb.
  • Persistent pain disproportionate to inciting event
  • Budapest criteria: sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema, motor/trophic changes

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 CRPS Type 1

Essential facts and insights about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

The ICD-10 code for CRPS Type 1 is G90.50 when unspecified, or G90.51 for the right upper limb.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for regional pain syndrome

CRPS Type 1, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of Budapest criteria symptoms

Applicable To

  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Persistent pain disproportionate to inciting event
  • Budapest criteria: sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor/edema, motor/trophic changes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding due to lack of specificity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports CRPS diagnosis with specific criteria.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute pain, not elsewhere classified

G89.1
Use for acute pain management related to CRPS.

Chronic pain, not elsewhere classified

G89.2
Use for chronic pain management related to CRPS.

Differential Codes

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

Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified

M79.2
Use when neuropathic pain is present without CRPS features.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G90.50.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation., Use specific ICD-10 codes for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like G90.51 or G90.52 when laterality is known.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

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 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

CRPS Type 1 Pain Management

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Sensory findings
  • Vasomotor changes
  • Sudomotor/edema
  • Motor/trophic changes

Example Documentation

Patient presents with CRPS Type 1 of the right upper limb, exhibiting allodynia, temperature asymmetry, and edema.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hand pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits CRPS Type 1 symptoms: allodynia, temperature asymmetry, and edema in the right hand.
Explanation
The good example specifies CRPS criteria and laterality, improving documentation quality.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)? 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