Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Shift Work Disorder(G47.26)

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

Also known as:

Shift Work Sleep DisorderSWD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shift Work Disorder

G47.20-G47.29Primary Range

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders

This range includes disorders related to disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, including shift work disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for shift work disorder

Essential facts and insights about Shift Work Disorder

The ICD-10 code for shift work disorder is G47.26, used for circadian rhythm sleep disorder related to shift work.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for shift work disorder

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, shift work type
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms persist for at least 3 months and are linked to shift work.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed work schedule and symptom description are documented.

Applicable To

  • Shift work disorder

Excludes

  • Insomnia not related to shift work (G47.00)
  • Hypersomnia not related to shift work (G47.10)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms of insomnia or excessive sleepiness linked to shift work schedule for at least 3 months
  • Actigraphy or sleep logs showing disrupted sleep patterns
  • Exclusion of other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding general insomnia or hypersomnia without linking to shift work
  • Omitting documentation of the work schedule and symptom duration

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific work schedule and symptom correlation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Problems related to shift work

Z56.2
Use to indicate occupational link when required by payers.

Differential Codes

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

Insomnia

G47.00
Use when insomnia is not linked to shift work.

Hypersomnia

G47.10
Use when hypersomnia is not linked to shift work.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Shift Work Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G47.26.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language to describe symptoms and work schedule., Ensure documentation is thorough and complete.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials if not properly linked to shift work., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure symptoms are linked to shift work and use G47.26.

Impact

Failure to document symptoms persisting for at least 3 months.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes symptom duration and work schedule details.

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

Documentation Templates for Shift Work Disorder

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

Documenting shift work disorder for a nurse working night shifts

Specialty: Occupational Medicine

Required Elements

  • Work schedule details
  • Symptom description and duration
  • Exclusion of other disorders

Example Documentation

Patient works 3 consecutive night shifts weekly (7 PM–7 AM) since January 2025. Reports persistent insomnia with >60 min latency during daytime sleep periods post-shift.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports fatigue.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports persistent insomnia (latency >60 min) when attempting daytime sleep after night shifts (3x/week, 7 PM–7 AM) ×6 months, with Epworth Sleepiness Scale =16/24.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the work schedule and symptom severity, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Shift Work Disorder? 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